Chelsea ace Cole Palmer insists he is "not crying" over Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit him from England's World Cup 2026 squad.

The attacking midfielder, who can also play on the flanks, was surprisingly left out of the 26-man party for the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The likes of Phil Foden, Luke Shaw, Lewis Hall, and Harry Maguire also failed to do enough to convince head coach Tuchel of their place in the squad.

It was only two years ago that Foden was scoring England's goal in the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024, and was the Three Lions' Player of the Year at the end of that calendar year.

But he has issues with form and fitness in the intervening period, and ultimately Tuchel opted to go with other attacking options.

Cole Palmer is your England Men's Player of the Year connected by @EE

Congratulations, Cole! pic.twitter.com/wKMsOZaiT6

— England (@England) October 8, 2024

However, Palmer said he will take time to recuperate over the close-season, and is hoping England go all the way at the World Cup.

Speaking to iD magazine, he said: "I'm not crying over a decision you can't change, and I hope the lads make it all the way.

"I'm going to relax this summer, rest for the first time in three or four years, before getting back to what I love.

"If I'm not doing anything, then I'll watch the matches."

Chelsea start the new Premier League campaign with a trip to local rivals Fulham on Friday August 24, before entertaining Brighton for their first clash at Stamford Bridge.