A manager keeping tabs on his new squad, which went down well with the Chelsea star. | OneFootball

Cole Palmer has revealed the private message Xabi Alonso sent him after he was left out of England's World Cup squad.

Palmer's omission from Thomas Tuchel's squad for the tournament in America was one of the most controversial calls of the entire competition.

The 24-year-old had endured a difficult campaign last season due to a troublesome groin injury, but few expected him to miss out entirely.

Palmer made 34 appearances in all competitions in 2025/26, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists. He missed the whole of October and November following his injury.

When the news broke, Alonso, whose appointment was confirmed in mid-May, made a point of reaching out to his player directly.

"When I got told I was not going to the World Cup, I think he knew, so he messaged me," Palmer said. "I think he said 'don't worry about it', normal stuff. It was nice."

As simple as that may sound, it appears to have meant a great deal to Palmer, and it is clearly part of why he has taken so warmly to life under his new manager. The attacker has already described Alonso as a 'breath of fresh air' at Chelsea.

The World Cup absence handed Palmer his first proper summer break in four years. Seven weeks off, a holiday with his family and time to fully recover from the injury that had hampered him throughout last season.

Palmer was a surprise omission from Tuchel's squad, but the extended break may offer benefits in 2026-27. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"My summer was great," he said. "I went on holiday with my family. I feel fresh. I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped. I am ready to go again."

On the World Cup itself, Palmer admits he did his best to keep tabs on England's progress, though with the time difference proving a challenge, he made an honest confession.

"I watched some of it. The times were a bit mad in America. I managed to stay up for England-Mexico but then I fell asleep at half-time!"

Despite the frustration of the snub, Palmer says missing out has only sharpened his hunger for the season ahead.

"If someone told you that you're essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you're going to think, 'alright, whatever', then try to go that extra harder," he said.

Palmer has also been re-energised through the arrival of best friend Morgan Rogers, who signed for a club-record £117 million from Aston Villa.

Rogers is not yet on the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia due to his extended break after the World Cup, having been given extra time off following England's run in the tournament. He will link up with his new Chelsea teammates soon ahead of the new season.

Chelsea will be keen to improve on their 10th-placed finish last season, and their attacking line behind the striker is looking a real threat.

Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Geovany Quenda and Pedro Neto are the main options, while Chelsea have recently welcomed back Mykhailo Mudryk after his doping case was resolved.

On the evidence of his attitude and the backing of a manager who was in his corner from day one, Chelsea supporters will be hoping Palmer's best football is very much still to come.