Cole Palmer has admitted he was “frustrated” by the lack of minutes afforded to him during England’s run to the final of Euro 2024.

After a stunning debut season at Chelsea, which saw the 22-year-old score 25 goals in all competitions, Palmer was forced to play second fiddle to the likes of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka as England sought to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy.

Palmer did not start a single game at the tournament, instead appearing five times as a substitute, but made a huge impact in the final against Spain as he scored a stunning equaliser. Ultimately, his goal was in vein as England lost the final 2-1.

The former Manchester City attacking midfielder – now regarded as one of the best in the world in his position – has now revealed that some of Gareth Southgate’s decision-making left him wondering “why?”, particularly as he’d enjoyed such a fine first season at Stamford Bridge.

“It was frustrating at England, to be fair,” he told GQ. “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?”

Palmer was the player to supply the pass for Watkins’ stunning goal in England’s 2-1 win over Netherlands in the semi-final of the tournament, but was forced to sit on the sidelines until the 70th minute of the final.

Within three minutes of his introduction, he’d fired home Bellingham’s lay-off into the corner of Unai Simon’s goal – something he’d been doing all season long with Chelsea.

Palmer is expected to play a big role in England’s plans moving forward, with the Three Lions to be coached by Thomas Tuchel from January 1 onwards. Lee Carsley is currently in interim charge following Southgate’s resignation after Euro 2024.

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