Cole Palmer has been spotted partying in Ibiza at one of the island’s most decadent venues following his snub from Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
As the England team touched down in Florida earlier this week to acclimatise to the gruelling heat and humidity ahead of this summer’s showpiece tournament, those unfortunate enough not to receive a call-up have been doing everything they can to distract themselves.
The Chelsea star, who was perhaps the most high-profile omission from this summer’s tournament, has been spotted at Wayne Lineker’s Ocean Beach Club on the Spanish party island, a popular haunt for Premier League footballers during their downtime.
Bizarrely, Palmer was seen wearing the same outfit he wore the last time he was at the club last July – decked out with a chain, a plain white T-shirt, camouflage shorts and trainers.
Pictured next to Gary Lineker’s younger brother on a bright yellow sofa, the pair looked relaxed, with Grey Goose vodka cushions splayed out beside them, while a large bottle of the vodka was perched on the table in front of them.
Only a day prior to Palmer’s visit, Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash was also pictured with Wayne, the pair holding a gigantic bottle of Grey Goose. Cash, who represents Poland, is not heading to this summer’s World Cup either after his side failed to qualify.
Palmer was considered the next big thing for England at Euro 2024, but has endured a tricky season at Chelsea, with his influence for both club and country dwindling. He only just crept into double figures for Premier League goals (10) on the final day against Sunderland, while half of his tally came from penalties.
In an interview with the Guardian in April, the 24-year-old put his struggles down to a persistent groin injury that he found difficult to manage, continuing to play despite it not improving. He only truly returned to full fitness for the final few games of the season.
Palmer was seen wearing the same outfit he wore the last time he was at the Iziba club last July – decked out with a chain, a plain white T-shirt, camouflage shorts and trainers
As for Foden, the 26-year-old has also been spotted relaxing by the pool and on the beach in an undisclosed location with his three young children – Ronnie, True and Phil Foden Junior
The England team touched down in Florida earlier this week and are hoping to quickly acclimatise to the gruelling heat and sticky humidity
The good news for Thomas Tuchel was that spirits and intensity were every bit as high as the temperature
By that point, it appeared to be too late for Tuchel, who opted to omit him from his squad.
Tuchel said: ‘I think he (Palmer) suffers from, first of all, a lack of individual form within the club, he was not as decisive or as influential as he was in the last seasons, throughout the whole season. Second of all, he was not very influential with us.
‘His record with us was just not outstanding, not good enough to make him “no matter what, he is coming.” That is just the reality of it.
‘He pulled out several times, had to pull out several times, injured, and when he was in camp he did not have the impact that we all wanted.
‘I think his personality helps him, even in big moments, to not show nerves, and to be decisive, but to have these moments you need also to be in shape, you need to be influential within this group and he has just failed to prove it on a consistent level.
‘It was one of the most difficult phone calls of course and obviously one of the most prominent names that we leave out.
‘But I refuse to bring players for the name and I refuse to then play them out of position just to give them something, I prefer to have the tough decision beforehand, digest it and then push everyone else.’
It appears Palmer is not the only omitted England star seeking a sunny escape, with both Harry Maguire and Phil Foden also pictured on holiday with their loved ones.
Maguire, who has said he was ‘shocked and gutted’ to miss out amid an impressive season at Manchester United, has jetted out to Barbados.
Fern shared a snap of the pair by the sea, with the 33-year-old centre-back posing in grey swimming trunks alongside his wife, who wore a white polka dot bikini paired with a black mini skirt.
Later in the evening, Maguire was filmed having a kickabout with his brother Joe on the beach.
The international stalwart has been part of the furniture for his country since breaking through at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and always performed reliably.
Harry Maguire has been hanging out in the sun with his wife Fern after his England snub
Seven-year-old Ronnie, an internet sensation in his own right shared photos – via an account managed by his parents – of the Foden family riding around in a children’s electric car
Only a day prior to Palmer’s visit, Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash was also pictured with Gary Lineker’s younger brother Wayne
Those close to Maguire were even more forthright in their disappointment, with the star’s mother Zoe saying that she was ‘absolutely disgusted’ by the turn of events, and his brother Joe calling it ‘the worst decision (he’s) ever seen’.
Maguire’s wife Fern also shared that she was ‘beyond devastated’ on Instagram, adding: ‘There was nothing else you could have possibly done to prove your worth.
‘I don’t need to tell you how admired you are, just a shame you were up against a single opinion. Forever behind you my love.’
As for Foden, the 26-year-old has also been spotted relaxing by the pool and on the beach in an undisclosed location with his three young children – Ronnie, True and Phil Foden Junior.
Seven-year-old Ronnie, an internet sensation in his own right with four million followers on Instagram, shared photos on social media – via an account managed by his parents – of the Foden family at a beach club and riding around in a children’s electric car.
Foden has not reacted publicly to his omission but it was less of a surprise after a difficult couple of seasons in which he has struggled with burnout.
Maheta Molango, the chief executive of the Players’ Football Association, called Foden a ‘victim’ of the ‘crazy calendar’.
In his press conference on Friday, the England manager explained his reasoning for leaving out Maguire as he was forced to defend a number of calls under scrutiny, such as the omission of stars like Palmer and Foden, and the inclusion of wildcards like Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney.
‘It’s not necessarily the best and most talented player (who is picked),’ he said. ‘It’s the best team.
‘We chose a very balanced squad. I can guarantee we have 26 players who are committed to team spirit and being unselfish. We have to pick the squad we are convinced by and who we love.
‘It comes down to who do we really trust? Who delivered? Who helped with the culture? Who are the leaders? It’s about the energy, the connection and the trust.’
Meanwhile, their England team-mates are preparing to check in for what they hope will be an extended stay at the Swope Soccer Village, the training facility of Sporting Kansas City.
They face friendlies against New Zealand on June 6 and Costa Rica on June 10, both in south Florida, before getting their campaign underway against Croatia in Dallas on June 17.
