Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole give their verdict on Cole Palmer performance in debut for England

Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole give their verdict on Cole Palmer performance in debut for England

Jermain Defoe was impressed by the second-half cameo of Cole Palmer during England’s 2-0 win against Malta last Friday.

Palmer was one of three youngsters that Gareth Southgate handed their first invitations to come be a part of his side’s matches in the ongoing international break.

The Chelsea star has had a brilliant season, so no one was really surprised by his addition to Southgate’s side. However, what many, like former England striker, Defoe and ex-Chelsea winger, Joe Cole probably didn’t expect was that the 21-year-old would give a great account of himself on his debut.

After the match, Defoe, who was part of Channel 4’s analysis team for the broadcast of the fixture was asked about Palmer, and he said: “I’d loved to have seen him for longer, to be honest. You can just see, straight away, the way he received the ball on the half turn. He’s a clever footballer. He gets 1v1. He’s confident. You can see he’s got that swagger. You talk about players like James Maddison who have got that good arrogance.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him more. He’s definitely someone that you could say if he continues on this form for his club he’ll definitely have a chance of going to the Euros.”

Cole then added: “I thought he did well. Making your debut for England, however confident you are, is always a bit of a moment for you. He handled that occasion very, very well. Listen, he’s going to be an England player for a very long time.”

Palmer has probably enjoyed more praise than any other Chelsea star this season, and for a player that seemed to be surplus to requirements at his former club, we do think that he has definitely surpassed expectations.