World Cup 2026: Why Palmer Was Left Out of England’s Squad – Paul Merson

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has offered an explanation for why Chelsea star Cole Palmer was omitted from England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

England manager Thomas Tuchel recently announced the team that will represent the Three Lions at the tournament.

Palmer was left out alongside other prominent names such as Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.

Speaking on the “The Good, The Bad & The Football” podcast, Merson said Palmer’s exclusion was linked to Chelsea’s loan of Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich last season.

“I have said it before, Palmer made Jackson and Jackson made Palmer,” Merson remarked.

“Palmer’s not on that plane [to the World Cup] because Jackson’s not been there.”