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Cole Palmer is enjoying a holiday with girlfriend Olivia Holder at a luxury hotel, amidst criticism from Piers Morgan and Thomas Tuchel for opting out of the England squad.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is enjoying a luxurious getaway during the international break at the lavish Coworth Park hotel in Windsor, accompanied by his girlfriend, influencer and model Olivia Holder. The pair, who have been dating since late 2025, have been sharing snippets of their holiday on social media, including a whimsical video showing the footballer clad in a bathrobe as he whizzes around the grounds in a golf cart.

However, this downtime comes against a backdrop of controversy and criticism regarding Palmer's decision to withdraw from the England national team's November camp.

Reactions from Thomas Tuchel and Piers Morgan

The 24-year-old was called up to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel following his return to form, but he declined the opportunity due to workload management concerns.

This decision sparked a fierce reaction in the media, with television presenter Piers Morgan publicly attacking Palmer, accusing him of lacking the desire to fight for his place and squandering his talent.

Tuchel himself has previously questioned Palmer's genuine commitment to the national team after his earlier refusals to participate.

Looking ahead to Bournemouth clash

Amid ongoing debates on social media and in the press, Palmer has chosen to step away from the footballing spotlight during this break. Chelsea are closely monitoring his fitness levels due to the frequent interruptions in training. The Blues are hopeful that the midfielder will be in top shape to assist the team in their upcoming home match against Bournemouth this Saturday.