Cole Palmer didn’t start a game for England at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)
Cole Palmer admitted he found his experience at Euro 2024 frustrating due to the lack of game time he was given for England during the tournament.
Despite a stellar maiden campaign at Chelsea, which saw him recently rewarded with a new bumper contract at Stamford Bridge, Palmer was reduced to a bit-part role in Germany, often impressing off the bench but not starting a single game in the tournament.
The 22-year-old scored England’s equaliser in the final against Spain but could do nothing to prevent the Three Lions’ heartbreaking 2-1 defeat courtesy of Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner.
However, reflecting on the European Championship ahead of the new Premier League season, Palmer conceded that his maiden major tournament with England’s senior team left him constantly questioning why he wasn’t forcing his way into Gareth Southgate’s starting lineup.
‘[It was difficult because I was] not playing,’ Palmer told Sky Sports. ‘You’re going into a new group, you have lads who have been there a number of years.
‘Obviously, being a new young player, all the lads did take me in to be fair, like they did with all the young players.
‘So it was quite easy to settle in, but obviously not playing and thinking to yourself, “Why?” and just questioning yourself.
Palmer scored off the bench in the Euro 2024 final (Picture: Getty)
‘I didn’t question my ability because I knew what I had done during the season,’ he continued.
‘But you’re just thinking like: “why?”, do you know what I mean? But I just thought that when I do get on I’m just going to try and make an impact and do something.’
Having notched up 22 goals and 11 assists last season, Palmer is determined to continue his progression under new manager Enzo Maresca.
‘There’s always room for improvement, I know it sounds cliché but I think there is,’ he added.
‘We’ve got an amazing coach, he will only help me get better and improve my game.’
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