Cole Palmer disagreement reached as World Cup and Thomas Tuchel doubts loom over Chelsea star
Cole Palmer has scored 10 goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season and there is no guarantee the 23-year-old makes England’s World Cup squad this summer
Cole Palmer has scored 10 goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season(Image: Harvey Murphy/NewsImages/NurPhoto)
Calum McFarlane is confident Cole Palmer can still set the World Cup alight for England – because the Chelsea attacker is “one of the best” players on the planet.
The 23-year-old has had a difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge. A groin injury, described by sources as a ‘complex’ one to manage, has plagued Palmer for the majority of the season but the England international recently said he had “turned a corner” in relation to his fitness.
Palmer has scored just 10 goals in all competitions for Chelsea this season in a slow campaign by the former Manchester City man’s standards. However, he has been on the pitch for less than 2000 minutes in total this term – a measly number compared to his first two campaigns at Chelsea. Last season, he was on the pitch for a staggering 4247 minutes and his debut campaign saw him record 3734.
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His form and fitness troubles have cast doubt over whether he will be included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, that gets announced later this month, for this summer’s World Cup in the United States. With such immense competition for the No.10 spot, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and even Phil Foden, all battling under Tuchel.
Chelsea’s interim head coach McFarlane wouldn’t be surprised, if Palmer is selected, he shone on football’s greatest stage.
“It’s been a difficult period for Cole,” conceded McFarlane. “He’s had his first injury that he’s pretty much ever had in his career – and he’s had to learn how to deal with that.
“I don’t agree with the narrative that he isn’t playing well. I think there’s obviously games where he can impact more. But there’s also been a lot of occasions where he’s created a lot of good chances for players.
“He can’t control whether that’s finished, he can just put the ball in the position that he needs it to be. I do think he’s had some really good games in the last three months. And it’s just a case of building consistency.
“I’m really pleased with Cole. He shows us his talent every single day, his energy and his enthusiasm to play. He’s still a top, top player, one of the best in the world, for me.
“I have no concerns over Cole being ready to impact games from now until the end of the season. And hopefully in the World Cup, in big moments for England.”
Following Liam Rosenior’s departure last month, reports emerged of some Chelsea players being difficult to manage but McFarlane has insisted the squad are on his side and are a pleasure to work with.
“They’re very coachable,” the interim boss said. “They’ve had a lot of success recently playing very heavy, tactical, positional play. They are very open to information and even though they have their own opinions and views on the game, they’ve been a pleasure to work with.
“If there are any adjustments we need to make, they trust and buy in and we have made a lot of tactical changes in my three games. They’ve bought into it. They’re very, very coachable.”
Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest this afternoon, with the Blues looking for their first Premier League win in two months and their first home victory in the English top-flight since January 31.
