Cole Palmer is making the headlines for all right the right reasons during this excellent debut season as a Chelsea player.
Cole Palmer, who’s still only 21, is currently the talisman in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The left-footed attacker has scored 13 goals and created 11 assists in 33 Chelsea appearances so far.
As a result, he was included yesterday by Gareth Southgate in the senior England squad for this month’s international friendlies. Incidentally, this is the last camp before Southgate picks his 23-man group for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
Palmer generally plays as a right-winger or No 10 in Chelsea’s system. Despite being sensational in either role, we’re guessing his path into England’s best XI right now is blocked by Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
Stan Collymore has weighed into the Three Lions debate by arguing that Chelsea’s Palmer should be in the England starting XI.
He’s suggested the 21-year-old playmaker starting as England’s left-winger, which would be a new position for him from his time at Stamford Bridge.
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“As for left-wing, I know Southgate has included Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon, but I would go with Cole Palmer,” Collymore told CaughtOffside.
“I know Palmer plays on the right for Chelsea, but he’s left-footed so can definitely do a job on that side of the pitch. He’s one of the most in-form attackers in Europe too so why not be brave and give him the chance? — I would — the kid looks special.”
Cole Palmer as a left-winger
Of course, there’s no need to contemplate Palmer altering his role at club level.
The skilful youngster is playing out of his skin at Chelsea and looks the team’s most integral player right now.
Speaking via FIVE’s YouTube channel today, Rio Ferdinand shared his belief that Palmer’s on his way to becoming a “top player”.
However, squeezing Palmer into the England line-up is going to be very tough when you look at the options available to Southgate.
Collymore’s set on a midfield trio of Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Belliingham for England. In fairness, we actually like his suggestion of Palmer with a starting position from the left.
It would be interesting to see Palmer get minutes on the left against Brazil or Belgium in upcoming friendlies.
