17/07/2025

SPORTS THURSDAY | JULY 17, 2025

30

England’s secret weapon Palmer led Chelsea to CWC glory and can do the same for Three Lions at World Cup

Ű BY WILL CASTLE

I N the midst of an 18-game goal drought, ques tions began to rise over Cole Palmer’s potency. With a supersonic rise to prominence comes the inevitable doubt that such quality can be sustained. The Manchester City youth product had set expectations high. His debut season at Chelsea single-handedly justified Todd Boehly’s strategy of heavy investment in high potential, registering 33 goal contributions in 34 Premier League games in 2023/24. And while his mid-term tally of 14 goals this year was by no means indicative of a one-season wonder, the barren run that followed led the naysayers to become emboldened.

more encouraging by the squad’s relatively low average age. This era of England feels destined to win a major tournament – but we’ve been here before. The wounds of back-to-back Euros final defeats still sting, but there is an increasing sense of belief that this England generation can break the now six decade trophyless curse. If England are going to achieve their crowning glory in 12 months, their fairytale ending to so much footballing pain, Tuchel will need something special. He’ll need a man for the occasion. Palmer, with insider knowledge of how a Maga World Cup works and feels, could well be that man. – The Independent

built, but invigorated by how quickly his side had been written off. “Impossible,” they said – but is there such a thing in football? What followed was an outright humbling, with Palmer at the heart of all three Chelsea goals that went unanswered on their journey to immortality. “Everyone’s talked a lot of s*** about us this season, but I feel like we’re going in the right direction,” Palmer said post-match. That wasn’t from the media training handbook. It was instead a moment of refreshing honesty from a player who has been wrongly doubted for half a year, but evidently hasn’t let the critics hurt his progression or on-pitch psyche. Enzo Maresca will hope such an astonishing solo performance is a sign of glory to come. As will Thomas Tuchel.

When his dry spell eventually came to an end on May 4 – netting a last-second penalty as Chelsea capitalised on Liverpool’s post-crowning hangover – there was a real feeling of a weight being lifted. The 23-year-old had come out the other side of his first true patch of adversity as a senior player, the significance of which was represented by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez running the length of the pitch to celebrate with him. Palmer has looked his old self since that Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge, crucially re-stamping his mark as a big game player. His dazzling second-half display in the Conference League final made such a fact apparent, outshining his opposite number – a rejuvenated 33-year-old Spanish playmaker Isco – to spearhead a stunning turnaround against Real Betis. But it was stateside, against the best team on the planet, where the Englishman made his biggest statement. There are not enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe Palmer’s scything of Paris Saint-Germain. Luis Enrique had seemingly built an unbeatable footballing force, one that

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Palmer has already conquered New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to win a “World Cup”. Next year, England football team boss Tuchel will be praying for a repeat. The proper World Cup 2026 will reach its climax at the same location – an admittedly questionable choice, given its

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had conquered Europe after ridding itself of a reliance on superstars, instead shifting to an ideology that focused on the all-powerful collective. Ironically, it was an individual who proved their undoing when world champion status was put on the line. A tournament tarnished by its unplayable heat, the Club World Cup culminated in the coldest performance of them all. Palmer was unfazed by the reputation PSG had

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inconvenient location, lack of roof and unfit-for purpose facilities – but regardless, England will strive to be there. The wealth of talent in England’s ranks is arguably second to none. Position for position, Tuchel has serious

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Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. – REUTERSPIC

depth in quality at his disposal, a fact made even

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Reds ‘consider’ shock move for Rashford

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LIVERPOOL reportedly considered making a move to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford earlier this year. The Reds are in the market for attacking reinforcements, though Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains their top target in the final third. Arne Slot’s side are prepared to break the British transfer record for the second time this summer to acquire the services of the Sweden international, with an offer in the region of £120 million (RM696m) reportedly being considered. However, Newcastle are insistent that their No. 14 will remain at St James’ Park next season, and their reluctance to entertain any offers for the 25-year-old has prompted Liverpool to scour the market and shortlist alternative options. According to the Daily Mail , the Reds have a six-man shortlist of alternatives to Isak, with the club expected to offload Darwin Nunez – may that be to Napoli or a Saudi Pro League outfit – and replace him with a marquee acquisition. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is among those names, as well as Real Madrid’s versatile forward Rodrygo. England international Rashford has also been “floated” as an idea at Anfield, but it

has not progressed beyond that point yet. The United academy graduate is expected to leave his boyhood side in the coming weeks after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim last season, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich among his admirers. Liverpool have also spoken with Aston Villa to discuss Ollie Watkins, who is admired by United and Arsenal. Talks have been held with Brentford too over Yoane Wissa, with reports recently suggesting that the Congolese international is hoping to secure a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium amid interest from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest. The final name on Liverpool’s shortlist is said to be Victor Osimhen, who is currently pushing for a return to the Turkish League. The Nigeria international has no intention of remaining at Napoli and forced a January exit to Galatasaray previously, which could now become permanent. Saudi sides have pushed to sign Osimhen previously but he wants to remain in Europe, though the finances involved have proven to be a deterrent for his long list of Premier League suitors, including Chelsea. – Express Newspapers/Agencies

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