Chelsea legend Joe Cole has made a strong case for Cole Palmer to be included in England’s 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the former Blues star emphasized Palmer’s unique qualities that could prove decisive even if he doesn’t start.
“Palmer has to be in the 26-man squad. Even if he isn’t a starter, he can change the game and break the deadlock. He possesses abilities that no one else has, and we’ve already seen his ice-cool mentality in penalty shootouts,” Cole stated.
Despite acknowledging that Palmer is not currently in top form and that other players have been outstanding, Cole argued there is no reason to leave him out. “This is the first real test he’s faced. He’s a top player with an impressive career already under his belt.”
Cole also addressed the recent struggles Palmer has endured. “He’s just come through a tough period, dealing with persistent injuries. Playing through injury is really challenging—the rhythm of the game suffers, and nothing goes as expected. It takes time to adjust.”