Cole Palmer reveals frustration over bit-part role for England at Euro 2024 as Chelsea star pinpoints the exact moment he was left thinking: ‘Why not me?’

Cole Palmer has revealed his frustration with his role for England during Euro 2024. 

Heading into the tournament, Palmer ended last season as arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League, after a run of 12 goals in 11 games.

That scoring streak helped him win Chelsea‘s Player of the Year award and also a place in Gareth Southgate‘s England squad for Euro 2024.

But Palmer was not selected to start in any of England’s seven games at the Euros, despite impressing during five cameos as a substitute.

The 22-year-old’s tournament highlights included a successful penalty in a shootout victory over Switzerland, assisting Ollie Watkins for England’s late winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals and then a fine goal in the defeat by champions Spain. 

All five of Palmer’s Euros appearances under Gareth Southgate (right) came as a substitute

Now, he’s opened up on the experience on the sidelines. In an interview with GQ the Chelsea star 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?”‘

The 22-year-old swapped the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge in summer 2023 in a transfer worth an initial £40million, after a 13-year stay with the eight-time Premier League champions.

Palmer’s impact at the Blues surpassed expectations as he netted 22 goals, while also providing 11 assists, in his first league campaign at the club.

Having already hit the ground running this season with 12 goal involvements in all competitions, the England midfielder has now disclosed the inside story of his move to west London.

Cole Palmer pictured scoring for England against Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in Germany

Reminiscing to GQ, Palmer said: ‘I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee’.

‘Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet. So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.

‘That’s the mercenary reality of football at the top level: no goodbyes, except what can be said over text. I messaged the group chat, said ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.’