Cole Palmer says he fell asleep during England vs. Mexico and ‘feels fresh’ after summer break

Cole Palmer may have found staying awake during England’s World Cup match against Mexico earlier this month a difficult task, but having to watch it from afar is a big part of his motivation going into the season with Chelsea.

Palmer’s omission from Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad was one of the more contentious decisions the England head coach made. The Chelsea attacker remained an England fan and tuned in for the last-16 win over Mexico, which kicked off at 2am in the UK, as well as other games in the tournament.

He says: “I watched some of it (the World Cup). Obviously I was away and the times were a bit mad in America. It was a bit difficult. But I did watch. I managed to stay up for England-Mexico. But then I fell asleep at half-time!

“Naturally (being left out has given him more hunger going into next season). It’s like anything. If someone told you that you’re essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you’re going to think, ‘like, alright, whatever’ then, try to go that extra harder.”

Tuchel’s decision meant Palmer was given his first full summer off for four years. It was much needed after his most difficult campaign since he joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023. A troubling groin injury affected his form throughout.

But Palmer is ready to get back to his best after a lengthy break, especially working under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, whom he describes as a “breath of fresh air”.

“My summer was great,” he added. “I had like seven weeks off, which I have never really had. It was good. I went on holiday with my family. I feel fresh.

“I did not really know how to deal with it (his injury last season). The first few months, with me being injured, I just wanted to go out and play. Which I probably should not have done. Obviously I could not play how I wanted to play. It was a bad season personally with injuries and stuff but I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped. I am ready to go again.

“Was surgery an option? Yeah I went to Sweden or Denmark, one of those countries, to see a doctor. We did speak about it. But I did not end up getting it.

“When I got told I was not going to the World Cup, I think he (Alonso) knew, so he messaged me. I think he said ‘don’t worry about it’, normal stuff. It was nice.”

Palmer has already made a positive impact for Chelsea, by helping convince his friend Morgan Rogers to join from Aston Villa for a club record £117million.

Both like to use the ‘ice cold’ goal celebration, although Palmer has it trademarked legally already when it comes to commercial ventures.

Palmer said: “We have not spoken about it. It is one of them. He does it. I do it. I have trademarked it so if he tries to do anything, he will have the bailiffs at his door,” he joked. “Nah, we will do it together, I think.

“Everyone knows how good he is. Obviously he’s one of my best friends so I’m very happy about it (Rogers joining Chelsea).”