“He must start for England” – Paul Merson says 21-year-old Chelsea star should start for England at the Euros

Chelsea’s rising star, Cole Palmer, is currently away with Gareth Southgate’s England squad during the international break, marking his second camp with the senior team. With his consistent performances in the Premier League for Chelsea, it’s becoming increasingly likely that he will become a regular feature in the national side.

Gareth Southgate himself has praised Palmer’s outstanding displays at club level, indicating his potential importance for England. As the team prepares for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Palmer will be eager to seize the opportunity, especially with a major tournament on the horizon this summer.

However, breaking into England’s starting XI won’t be easy given the abundance of talent in the squad. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson suggests that Palmer may not be quite ready for a starting role at a major tournament like the Euros, advocating for him to gain experience in upcoming friendlies alongside established stars like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham.

Despite Merson’s reservations, there are compelling reasons for England to utilize Palmer’s talents, even if it’s in cameo appearances off the bench. His impressive statistics for Chelsea this season – 14 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances – speak volumes about his impact and maturity on the field. Palmer’s football intelligence and composure make him a valuable asset, even among stiff competition from other talented players like Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and James Maddison.

Declan Rice, speaking via ESPN, has also praised Palmer’s form, hinting at a potentially fruitful partnership between the two on the international stage. As the Euros approach, England would do well to consider including Palmer in their plans, recognizing his undeniable potential to make a difference on the pitch.