Cole Palmer says he’s happy to hear Roy Keane, who praised his cameo against Slovenia, is praising him.
The England youth player, who made his senior major tournament debut as a substitute in the team’s 0-0 tie, has received high appreciation.
The final group stage match for England was an uninspired affair overall, but Palmer gave the team the aggressive edge Gareth Southgate’s team sorely needed, and for that, Keane has heaped praise on him.
He’s so unpredictable, he can beat a man and go left or right, said the former Manchester United midfielder, who doesn’t give praise to just anyone, in an interview with ITV.
“You knew he was going to have an impact on the game when he entered the pitch because many exceptional players do.
“We were staring at him every time he got it. My attitude is that’something is going to happen’ and I’m not easy to impress. You expect something to happen each time he gets the ball…
He’ll believe he belongs in that starting lineup. He isn’t going to think, “I’m learning and I’m happy I’m here.” Like many famous people, he will be staring at Gareth and thinking, “Get me out there.”
Palmer’s face lit up with a smile when he was asked about Keane’s demands for him to start in the following round following the game.
“Yes, hearing that’s always pleasant,” the Chelsea player remarked. It’s good to hear, especially [from] someone like Roy Keane, who clearly played both internationally and for Manchester United.
“However, the manager now has the final say over what he wants to do.”
Palmer signed a £42.5 million contract with Chelsea last summer, and in his first season, he scored a massive 26 goals and provided 15 assists.
Due to his performances, the 22-year-old was called up for the first time to a senior major competition.
Palmer should play more and more minutes as the competition progresses if Southgate agrees with Keane about Chelsea’s leading scorer.
Gary Neville, another Manchester United great, praised Palmer and encouraged Red Devils rookie Kobbie Mainoo to start the following match.
The Three Lions have struggled to two draws and a narrow 1-0 victory against Serbia thus far in this tournament, but Southgate has played the two England youth players sparingly.
With those results, they won Group C. The Netherlands will probably be their next opponent in the round of 16, which will air live on talkSPORT.
But even with England’s dismal results thus far and his little involvement, Palmer is still brimming with self-assurance.
When asked if the tournament had affected his level of self-confidence in any way, he responded, “I’m full of belief after the season I had.” I don’t understand why I should be depressed or anything.
“I just try to be positive and have an impact when I get on.”
