Should England start building their team around Cole Palmer?

Is it time for Palmer to become the Three Lions’ most important player?

Many found it strange when Cole Palmer was voted 2023-24 England Men’s Player of the Year by the fans despite only starting two out of nine matches for the national team so far.

Palmer is already a crucial player for Premier League side Chelsea. Now it’s time for him to step in as the main man for the national team. Despite not being the starter at Euro 2024 the former Manchester City forward had two big moments for the Three Lions in the competition.

Palmer provided a game-winning assist in a 2-1 victory against Netherlands and scored an equalizer in the final before they lost 2-1 to Spain.

Seeing his club form many fans would want the player to start ahead of Bukayo Saka, who is ahead in pecking order in England. Palmer has continued his excellent form from last season, having netted six goals in seven league games so far this campaign.

Should England build their game around Palmer?

Since the start of the 2023-24 season, the 22-year-old has had goal involvements in 44 goals, more than any other player in the Premier League.

🏅🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England men's Player of the Year Award for 2023-24: Cole Palmer. pic.twitter.com/iKbRFvhLOv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 8, 2024

Now his impact at the club makes fans feel that the national team should be built around him. Former Chelsea player Cesc Fabregas said: “When someone is that special, when someone makes you see and feel that whatever happens in the team he is a game changer, I believe so [you can build a team around them].”

“When he has the ball it feels like everything is slow and everything becomes very clear in his eyes. He is able to play any pass at any angle on the pitch. I think it is possible when a player is that special to create a team around him.”

Goals & assists since the start of the 2023-24 PL season

Player	Goals	Assists	Total
Cole Palmer	28	16	44
Erling Haaland	37	5	42
Ollie Watkins	23	15	38
Mohamed Salah	22	14	36
Bukayo Saka	18	16	34
Son Heung-min	19	12	31

Palmer’s goals and assists are enough to make him England’s preferred starter. The forward has become the most influential player and continues to grow into a pivotal star at such a young age.

However, if he were to become an England starter it wouldn’t be easy. He will have to compete with Saka for the right-wing spot. But Palmer can also play as No.10 behind the striker.

This season under new manager Enzo Maresca the 22-year-old is playing as No.10 for Chelsea. Palmer has been thriving in that position for them. He is setting the flow of the game from that position.

He makes everything happen. Another excellent quality that helps him find his teammates with his deft distribution is his vision on the field. Perhaps this is the moment for England to utilise more of Palmer and centre their game around him as he can be their most essential player.

This will have a beneficial effect on the team because in every game, he has played for them, Palmer has proved that, given the chance, he is capable of elevating their performance in significant tournaments.

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