While Palmer is expected to be in Southgate’s travelling squad, his place in England’s starting XI is far from assured.
Looking at his numbers in the Premier League this season, an outsider may find that surprising, but he finds himself in direct competition with Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, James Maddison, Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen.
Palmer’s preferred position is off the right, but he has shown for Chelsea he can play anywhere across the front line, and in a deeper midfield position.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand told TNT Sport: “He is a wonderful talent. He has been the centre of attention in a couple of WhatsApp groups I’m involved in.
“One of my friends likened him to a Chris Waddle-type player. He has superb skill, his balance is mesmeric, it’s phenomenal.
“He is somebody that you look at with England. He is a great option. He is somebody that not everybody will know too much about on the European stage, international stage.
“He could be another weapon, internationally.”
Former England midfielder Joe Cole added: “The technicians are what are going to win us the tournament. They all have to go and they all have to have time on the pitch.
“Cole Palmer is an absolute genius.”
