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Palmer left out as Jobe Bellingham earns first England call-up
Cole Palmer has been left out of England’s squad for this month’s Nations League matches, while Jobe Bellingham has received his first senior call-up. Palmer’s omission follows injury-related withdrawals and raises fresh questions about his availability for international camps.
Palmer has scored five goals and made three assists in 11 appearances for Chelsea this season. Bellingham, Jude’s younger brother, was selected after strong performances for Borussia Dortmund and England’s under-21s; Fulham midfielder Josh King also made the squad. England, second in Group C, will host Croatia at Wembley before travelling to Madrid to play Spain.
In short
- Palmer misses England’s Nations League squad.
- Jobe Bellingham earns his first senior call-up.
- England face Croatia and Spain this month.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Leaving Palmer out may be a sensible way to manage his fitness, particularly after injury-related withdrawals raised questions about his availability for international camps. The call-up also gives Bellingham and King a chance to build on strong club and under-21 performances while England broaden their options.
The case against
Omitting a productive player such as Palmer risks weakening England for important Nations League matches, and may prompt concern that recurring absences could limit his role with the national side. Selecting Bellingham for his first senior call-up may also be seen as a gamble when he has yet to establish himself at that level.