Cole Palmer has revealed that he ‘fell asleep’ during one of England’s World Cup matches while making a commitment to improve his performance this season after his omission from the squad by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. The young player admitted to watching some of the tournament prior to the Three Lions being eliminated in the semi-finals by Argentina.
Following two impressive seasons, Palmer’s form dipped last campaign, resulting in his exclusion from the World Cup. According to Football365, Palmer had previously been a strong contender for the national team, with calls for his inclusion alongside Phil Foden, who also missed the tournament.
Palmer’s Experience During the World Cup
Palmer discussed his experience watching the World Cup, indicating that time differences made it challenging to follow all the matches. Speaking in a July 31 press conference, he mentioned, “I did but then I fell asleep at half-time” during the match against Mexico, which aired in the early hours of the morning in the UK.
Motivation Following World Cup Snub
Addressing his exclusion from the England squad, Palmer confirmed that it would inspire him to ‘work harder’ this season. He acknowledged, “if anyone tells you you’re essentially not good enough to get in the squad, you’re going to try and go harder,” emphasising his resolve to regain his spot on the team.
Palmer Reuniting with Morgan Rogers at Chelsea
At Chelsea, Palmer will link up with Morgan Rogers, a close friend and former Manchester City academy teammate, who recently signed for the club. They share a unique goal celebration, which Palmer joked he has ‘trademarked’. As new manager Xabi Alonso implements a 3-4-2-1 formation, both players are expected to take on key roles behind the striker.
Alonso’s Tactical Vision for Chelsea
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has a distinct plan for Palmer and Rogers, aiming to maximise their talents in a creative midfield setup. He expressed confidence in their potential to work well together, saying, “If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we will be more competitive with and without the ball.”
The SportiveNews view
Palmer’s resurgence is essential for both his career and Chelsea’s prospects this season. His performance will be closely watched as he aims to prove his worth and secure a return to the national team. Balancing individual ambition alongside team dynamics, particularly with Rogers in the mix, could greatly influence Chelsea’s campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What did Palmer say about watching the World Cup?
Cole Palmer mentioned that he watched some England matches during the World Cup but fell asleep at half-time during the Mexico game, attributing this to the challenging time difference while he was in America.
How did the World Cup snub affect Palmer?
Palmer confirmed that being overlooked for the England squad would motivate him to work harder as he strives to regain his place. He acknowledged that such exclusion would spur anyone to push their limits.
What is Xabi Alonso’s plan for Palmer and Rogers at Chelsea?
Xabi Alonso plans to utilise both Palmer and Rogers in a 3-4-2-1 formation, seeing them play together as two No.10s behind the main striker, aiming to enhance their linking play and overall competitiveness.
For the latest updates, check our Premier League coverage or visit the latest Premier League transfer news.
More from SportiveNews: Premier League transfer news · Premier League coverage