Cole Palmer’s Euro 2024 journey with England may have ended in disappointment, but it also marked a period of growth and reflection for the young forward.
Despite an outstanding individual campaign with Chelsea, Palmer’s role in Gareth Southgate’s squad during the summer tournament left him with a lingering sense of frustration, as his performances for the Blues seemed to contrast sharply with his limited opportunities for the Three Lions.
The 2023/24 season had seen Palmer in sensational form for Chelsea, where he netted 27 goals and contributed 15 assists, playing a crucial part in the team’s attacking play. His ability to make things happen on the pitch had left fans and pundits alike praising his maturity and skill. Yet, when the Euro 2024 tournament kicked off, Palmer found himself struggling to break into Southgate’s starting lineup, even as England stumbled in the group stages.
“I was playing at such a high level for Chelsea,” Palmer told GQ, reflecting on his Euro 2024 experience. “It felt like everything I was doing was coming off. But when I got to England, I wasn’t playing. Even when the team was struggling, I wasn’t getting minutes. That was frustrating.” His frustration wasn’t born out of a lack of faith in his teammates, but rather the fact that he felt ready to contribute, and yet, opportunities remained scarce.
The Three Lions opened their group stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Serbia, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s decisive strike. However, subsequent draws with Denmark and Slovenia left England with work to do to progress. Throughout the group stage, Palmer watched from the sidelines, hoping for a chance to prove himself. “When I didn’t get a chance in the first two games, especially when the team was struggling, I thought, ‘Why not me?’” he admitted.
Southgate’s decision to bring Palmer on as a substitute in the third group game came as a brief but telling moment. With just 19 minutes on the clock, Palmer’s cameo performance spoke volumes, showcasing his potential to make a difference when needed. It was a signal that he was ready to force his way into the conversation for a bigger role in the knockout rounds.
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Palmer’s efforts were rewarded in the latter stages of the tournament. As England advanced to the round of 16 and quarter-finals, Palmer’s influence from the bench grew. Against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, his composed penalty in a shootout helped seal England’s spot in the semi-finals, where he once again found himself in the role of impact substitute. But in the semi-final against the Netherlands, Palmer’s involvement was limited to just 10 minutes. Southgate brought on Ollie Watkins instead, in a bid to find a late winner with the score locked at 1-1.
“It was tough,” Palmer reflected on the semi-final decision. “I remember thinking, ‘Why not me?’ But I just had to stay ready.” His patience would eventually pay off when Southgate turned to Palmer in the dying minutes. The winger’s swift intervention set up Watkins to score, sending England to their second consecutive European Championship final.
Then came the moment that would define Palmer’s tournament. With Spain leading 1-0 in the final, Palmer was brought on in the 73rd minute, a chance to leave his mark on a game that had seemed out of England’s reach. The match was tense, and Spain’s defense had been resolute. But Palmer, always in the right place at the right time, quickly equalized with a stunning strike from the edge of the box that left Spain’s goalkeeper helpless.
“I just had a feeling I was going to score,” Palmer confessed. “Even the night before the final, I was in my hotel room thinking about what I would do if I scored. I ended up doing my usual celebration.” Palmer’s “cold” celebration, now a trademark among Chelsea fans, added a touch of personal flair to what was a moment of immense pressure. It was a goal that not only brought England back into the game but also symbolized his readiness to rise to the occasion, no matter the stakes.
Unfortunately, despite Palmer’s efforts, England would fall short again, losing to Spain in a 2-1 final. For Palmer, the loss stung, but his performance in the final highlighted his potential as a key player for the national team moving forward. While the tournament didn’t end in the fairytale victory many had hoped for, Palmer’s resilience and impact from the bench left Southgate with a selection dilemma for future tournaments.
Back at Chelsea, Palmer’s career has continued on an upward trajectory under new boss Enzo Maresca. The young forward has started the season in red-hot form, contributing seven goals and five assists in just 11 Premier League appearances. His confidence and composure in front of goal have made him one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets, and it’s clear that the frustrations of Euro 2024 have only fueled his determination to succeed at club level.
For Palmer, the experience with England will always be a bittersweet memory—one where his readiness to contribute wasn’t fully realized. But as he continues to excel at Chelsea, the young forward knows that his time with the national team will come, and when it does, he’ll be ready to seize it with the same hunger and ambition that has made him one of the most exciting talents in English football today.
As England sets its sights on the next challenge, Palmer’s growth as both a player and a person is undeniable. The lessons learned from Euro 2024, coupled with his incredible form at Chelsea, have set him on a path toward greatness. For Palmer, the frustration of being overlooked during the tournament is now just another chapter in a career that is bound to shine brighter with every passing season.