Palmer must lead England at the 2026 World Cup, but is Tuchel bold enough to trust him? | OneFootball

Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer put on a remarkable display as the Blues beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to clinch the FIFA Club World Cup title.

The 23-year-old scored two sublime goals and assisted Joao Pedro for the third to claim the Golden Ball and take his tally for the season to 18 goals and 14 assists.

Palmer delivered these outstanding numbers all while going through a wretched four-month spell where he could not hit the barn door.

He was heads and shoulders above everyone on the pitch, and it was the same case at the Europa Conference League final, where he delivered two assists.

The Wythenshawe-born star has been sensational for Chelsea following his Manchester City exit for £42.5 million, and the world has taken notice.

But has England manager Thomas Tuchel done so too?

The German tactician surprised everyone when he left Palmer on the bench as the Three Lions lost to Senegal in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tuchel is repeating the same mistakes that Gareth Southgate made in his final days as England boss when he ignored the attacking midfielder in favour of other options.

Palmer makes things happen.

England witnessed his prowess at the 2024 European Championship, where he came from the bench to assist in the semi-final and scored in the final.

No matter the set-up or opposition, Palmer should have a starting spot in this England side, especially at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He links the midfield to attack seamlessly, and his defensive work is underrated.

The 2023/24 England Men’s Player of the Year must play a central role if the Three Lions are to contend in 2026.

He can carve teams open with a pass, turn games on their head, and run proceedings when he wants to.

England must capitalise on his talents and ability to shine on the big stage.

The latter is one of his supreme qualities. When the lights are brightest, he does not shriek. He raises his levels and delivers the goods.

Tuchel cannot ignore Palmer. The player is versatile enough to play on the right, as a No. 10, or in the left inside channel, as he did for City and Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

Palmer has the makings of England’s new talisman, an heir to the talismanic burdens once carried by Wayne Rooney.

Come 2026, England need a marquee man capable of turning moments into memories. Palmer is already that player.

Now, it is up to Tuchel to embrace him, not as a bench option – not as a plan B, but as the focal point of the attack.