Cole Palmer’s Chelsea displays rewarded by senior England call up

Cole Palmer’s fine start to life at Chelsea has seen him rewarded with a place in England’s senior squad for their final Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has scored four goals and collected two assists in the current campaign.

Palmer signed for the Blues in September from Manchester City in a deal initially costing £40million. But if the former England U21 international keeps progressing at his current rate then some of the £2.5m add-ons will quickly follow.

Palmer scored against his former club in Sunday’s 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer was one of three players selected by England boss Gareth Southgate – former Charlton centre-back Ezri Konsa was another – after the withdrawals of James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk.

Palmer has scored and assisted in the 4-1 victories at Tottenham and Burnley as well as netting in the 2-2 draw at home to Burnley.

Palmer said: “It was very strange to play against City. I’ve got the utmost respect for the club I spent 15 years at.”
The youngster kept his composure from the spot after Ruben Dias brought down Armando Broja.

“I waited a long time (before taking it), I’ve had a few of them now,” said Palmer. “I stayed calm. I’m not going to say I work on them – because I don’t. I work on my natural ability.”

The nature of Chelsea’s performance against the defending Premier League champions pleased boss Mauricio Pochettino.

He said: “This is how we approach the games – we want to be protagonists and play high. We will always be brave – even if you have a team like City.”