Palmer reveals frustration after Euro 2024 snub despite strong Chelsea season

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has expressed his frustration with his limited role in the England national team.

The 22-year-old revealed he was particularly disappointed that his efforts seemed overlooked by the Three Lions’ coaching staff during the Euro 2024 tournament. Despite making five appearances off the bench, Palmer didn’t start a single game in Germany.

Palmer, who transferred to Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023, had an impressive season, earning both the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award and Chelsea’s Player of the Year. This strong performance led to his call-up for Euro 2024, but then-manager Gareth Southgate favoured other players, leaving Palmer feeling sidelined.

Speaking to GQ, Palmer shared that he felt he deserved more playing time given his standout season, adding that he found it frustrating to watch from the bench.

He said, “It was frustrating at England, to be fair. Not to say that the players aren’t good.

“But just coming off the back of the season I had, the form I was in, everything I was doing was coming off, so I’m not playing in the first two games even when the team was struggling, it was a bit like, ‘why?’ Do you know what I mean?

“If you bring me on [in] the third game and I don’t do anything, then I can’t really say anything.

“I just had to try and force my way in. I remember Watkins coming on [in the final], and I was thinking, why not me?”