Chelsea's Palmer says World Cup snub has motivated him

English Premier League football club Chelsea’s player Cole Palmer reacts during a press conference in Sydney on July 31, 2026. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer said on Friday he has a point to prove this season after missing out on England’s World Cup squad, while hailing new manager Xabi Alonso as a “breath of fresh air”.

Palmer was a high-profile omission from Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup line-up, despite playing a major role in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024.

He ultimately paid the price for a poor season at Chelsea and said being overlooked hurt.

“It’s like anything, if someone tells you’re essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you’re going to think, ‘all right’ and try and go extra harder,” he said in Sydney on Chelsea’s pre-season tour.