'Why?' - Cole Palmer opens up on England role at Euro 2024 & reveals what was going through his head as Gareth Southgate continued to snub Chelsea star

While England reached the Euro 2024 final, Palmer seemingly struggled to win Southgate's favour. He was benched for the opening two games, and was reduced to substitute appearances throughout the campaign. In the semi-final, he played 10 minutes and provided the assist for Ollie Watkins' winner, while in the final, he scored during his 20-minute cameo, bringing England level before late heartbreak.

Having come off a season in which he scored 27 goals and provided 15 assists for Chelsea, Palmer may well have expected a more robust role in England's squad, and has admitted he was left questioning himself throughout the tournament.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Palmer said: "It was difficult, not playing. You're going into a new group, you have the lads that have been there a number of years, obviously being a new, young player, all the lads did take me in to be fair, like they should with all the young players. So it was quite easy to settle in but obviously not playing, and thinking to yourself, like, 'why', just questioning yourself."

Having been asked if he doubted his own ability, Palmer replied: "I didn't question my ability because I knew what I did in the season. You're just thinking 'why', and stuff like that, but I just thought, 'when I do get on, I'm just going to try to make an impact and do something'."

Palmer will hope to make a big impact for Chelsea once again this season as he aims to impress new interim England manager Lee Carsley, following Southgate's resignation. The Blues face Manchester City in their Premier League opener this weekend.