Joe Cole has named the Chelsea player he thinks is capable of lighting up the Euro 2024 tournament this summer.
While the likes of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku have missed out on selection for the Euros for their respective countries, there will still be several Chelsea stars travelling to Germany for the major international competition.
It could mean Enzo Maresca, the new Chelsea head coach, will have to wait a while to have a full squad during pre-season.
Joe Cole excited about Chelsea star at Euro 2024
Joe Cole believes that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has the quality to light up Euro 2024 in an England shirt.
There’s a conversation to be had about whether the 22-year-old Blues attacker gets into England’s starting XI, but he was one of the world’s most in-form players last season.
Speaking on Channel 4’s coverage of England vs Bosnia, Cole commented on Palmer: “First of all, he has been sensational this year, he really has. And the thing that will help him most, more than his outstanding ability, are his physical attributes, his mindset and his mentality is absolutely tailor-made for England.
“You have to be comfortable on the ball, you have to really believe in yourself, you have to really back yourself in all positions on the pitch.
“He has arguably got the hardest task trying to dislodge Jude Bellingham for the 10 or Phil Foden off the right or Saka, but he has got a massive future on his hands, and he could be the joker in the pack for Gareth, coming off the bench. He could be outstanding at the Euros.”
Cole Palmer gets first England start on Monday
On his first start for England’s senior team, Palmer scored a penalty kick in Monday’s 3-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a friendly match.
It was a big sign of confidence from Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate to start the Chelsea talisman in the No 10 position. Incidentally, England only have Friday night’s warm-up game versus Iceland left before the Euro 2024 campaign.
While Palmer delivered a steady not spectacular display against Bosnia, The Chelsea Chronicle agrees that Palmer is a potential game-changer for England at the Euros.
He’s simply got to be used at the tournament, whether that’s starting or off the bench.
Palmer’s return of 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 Chelsea appearances last season highlights the kind of form he enters this tournament in. He now just needs the stage to shine!