Joe Cole says £40m Chelsea player could be ‘outstanding’ at Euro 2024, he says he has the ‘hardest task’

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Joe Cole believes one England ace could be the surprise star player for Gareth Southgate in the upcoming European Championships.

After a 3-0 win for Gareth Southgate’s England against Bosnia & Herzegovina, the attention now turns to Friday night when the Three Lions will play their final friendly match against Iceland before the European Championships kicks off next weekend.

England kick-off their tournament with a game against Serbia and the defensive low block seen from Bosnia, could well be how their opponents line up for that clash.

One player, in particular, who looked to be the most impressive was Chelsea’s star attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, who has been one of the breakout stars in the Premier League.

Cole on Palmer

Speaking on Channel 4’s coverage of England’s win at St James’ Park, former Chelsea winger Joe Cole believes that the 21-year-old could be ‘outstanding’ for the Three Lions this summer.

“First of all, he has been sensational this year, he really has,” Cole said. “And the thing that will help him most, more than his outstanding ability, are his physical attributes, his mindset and his mentality is absolutely tailormade for England.

“You have to be comfortable on the ball, you have to really believe in yourself, you have to really back yourself in all positions on the pitch.

“He has arguably got the hardest task trying to dislodge Jude Bellingham for the 10 or Phil Foden off the right or Saka, but he has got a massive future on his hands, and he could be the joker in the pack for Gareth, coming off the bench. He could be outstanding at the Euros.”

Palmer may struggle to start

With the attacking quality that England have on offer, it may be difficult for the Chelsea star to start under Southgate. Phil Foden, who won the Premier League player of the year award, will be a shoo-in.

Jude Bellingham will surely start alongside Declan Rice, whilst Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo, who scored against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, could feature heavily.

This could leave Palmer on the periphery and the attacking midfielder may well have to take his chances, if they do come his way during this summer’s tournament.