Cole Palmer struggled with sitting on the bench during the Euros with the English national team. The midfielder had just completed a stellar season at Chelsea, but initially played a minor role in Germany.
Embed from Getty Images
Cole Palmer’s journey with the English national team has been a bittersweet tale, particularly marked by his recent experience at the Euros.
As England regroups for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland, Palmer finds himself absent from the squad due to an injury. It’s a notable omission, especially considering the stellar form he has showcased at Chelsea. The attacking midfielder, like many players who have pushed through a grueling season, has been forced to prioritize his recovery. Despite his absence, Palmer’s thoughts and reflections on his time with the national team have sparked discussions, particularly around the missed opportunities and his own personal disappointments during the European Championship.
In an in-depth conversation with GQ, Palmer opened up about the frustration he experienced during the tournament. England’s national team, under the guidance of former head coach Gareth Southgate, reached the final for the second consecutive Euros, only to fall short once again. For Palmer, the defeat was compounded by his own limited role in the squad. Having just completed a remarkable season with Chelsea, where he tallied 22 goals and 11 assists, Palmer was expecting a more prominent role. Yet, he found himself watching from the sidelines, a decision that puzzled him given his form and contributions at club level.
Palmer didn’t hold back in his assessment of the situation. “It was frustrating with England, to be honest,” he admitted. “It wasn’t that the players weren’t good; we’ve got an incredible squad. But I had just come off a season where everything was clicking. The goals, the assists, my overall impact it felt like I was in the best shape of my career. And then, to sit out the first two matches, even when we were struggling, it was a bit like, why? You know what I mean?” Palmer’s candidness at the press conference highlighted the tension between his personal expectations and the reality of his role within the team.
The frustration wasn’t merely about missing playing time; it was about the context. England had faced challenging opponents early in the tournament, and the team’s performance was inconsistent. Many fans and pundits had called for a change in the lineup, arguing that Palmer’s creativity and goal-scoring threat could provide the spark England needed. Yet Southgate opted for other choices, leaving Palmer sidelined until the third game. When he finally got his chance, the pressure was immense not just from the team’s need for a positive result, but from his own desire to prove he deserved to be there.
Despite his evident frustration, Palmer was quick to acknowledge his own responsibility in the situation. “Look, if you give me a shot in the third match and I don’t deliver, then I can’t complain,” he said, showing a mature perspective. “I knew I had to earn my spot, and that’s on me. I just had to try to fight my way into the team.” This self-reflection is indicative of Palmer’s character; he understands the competitive nature of international football and the need to constantly prove oneself, even after a standout season.
Since then, Palmer has continued to build on the momentum from last season. His performances for Chelsea have been nothing short of spectacular, suggesting that the Euros disappointment might have only fueled his hunger for success. In the current Premier League campaign, he has already notched seven goals and provided five assists in just eleven matches. This kind of form has put him back in the spotlight, making his absence from the Nations League squad even more noticeable. However, given the injury situation, it’s clear that both the player and Chelsea are being cautious, ensuring he doesn’t risk aggravating any issues that could sideline him for longer.
Looking ahead, Palmer’s future with the national team remains promising. The disappointment of the Euros might linger, but it’s also likely to serve as a motivator. As he continues to shine at Chelsea, it’s hard to imagine he won’t be a central figure in England’s plans moving forward. New head coach selections, tactical adjustments, and a fresh perspective could all play into Palmer’s favor, especially if he maintains his current form.
For now, England prepares for their Nations League matches without him, facing Greece and Ireland with a slightly altered lineup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, perhaps wondering what impact a fully fit and in-form Palmer might have had. Regardless, his story is far from over. If anything, his experiences have only added another layer to his growth as a player. It’s a narrative of talent, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence one that will likely see him take on a more influential role in England’s future campaigns.
