Cole Palmer: Chelsea switch put me on fast track for England

Cole Palmer believes his move to Chelsea last summer fast-tracked his progress into the England squad and put him on course for his first major tournament.

The 22-year-old was named in Gareth Southgate's 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2024 and he is expected to make the final cut of 26 after a stellar campaign which saw him named Premier League young player of the year.

Palmer left Manchester City after making 41 appearances in just over three seasons, although just 13 of those were starts with only three coming in the Premier League.

However, following his £42.5million (€50m) move to Stamford Bridge he was one of the standout performers and his 22 Premier League goals were bettered only by Erling Haaland, with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins the only player with more assists.

Asked whether he thought taking the bold decision to leave City for Chelsea had boosted his England chances Palmer, who has already made 48 appearances for the Blues, told reporters: "Yeah, probably.

"What was it, three months? (from joining Chelsea to making his senior international debut).

"It has helped because more game time means you get seen more. I just wanted to play. I got more game time. I think my first season has justified that decision."

Palmer joined a Chelsea squad which is still in the infancy of its development but he believes being among players all of a similar age has allowed for greater growth, particularly for himself.

"We're all of a similar age so we can get on with each other. More game time also means more responsibility. I've had to take more responsibility," added Palmer, who was at former club Wythenshawe FC after teaming up with Toshiba TV to offer grassroots clubs the chance to win tech and clubhouse upgrades to inspire future