This upcoming weekend heralds another round of international football matches, marked by the notable inclusion of Chelsea's rising talent, Cole Palmer, in the senior England squad under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate. The young player, harboring aspirations of making his debut on the international stage, has been displaying exceptional form for the Blues. His recent decision to part ways with Manchester City, a club where he notably thwarted their victory aspirations with a calmly executed injury-time penalty, culminating in a thrilling 4-4 draw on Super Sunday, underscores his commitment to growth and challenge.

In a press conference preceding the Malta match on Friday, Palmer engaged with the media, addressing inquiries about the reactions of his Manchester City-supporting friends to his pivotal late-game goal. Reflecting on the mixed sentiments, he shared, "When I scored on Sunday, the majority of them were happy for me."

Evidently, the 21-year-old has nurtured a lifelong aspiration of donning the Three Lions jersey in major tournaments, a dream that, while seemingly distant during his formative years, now stands within reach. Expressing his thoughts, he stated, "I just thought it was a long way away when I was that age. Obviously now I'm here, I have thought about what if I do make my debut. It's going to be an amazing moment for me and my family if it does happen. If it doesn't happen, I'm just happy to be here and called up."

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When queried about his football idols during his developmental years, Palmer promptly identified three luminaries of the sport: "Rooney, Ronaldo, and Messi." Such concise admiration suggests he would undoubtedly relish a career trajectory akin to any of these legends.

The decision to leave Manchester City, a club renowned for its formidable squad, may have seemed a daunting prospect for Palmer. However, with Chelsea undergoing significant squad changes over the summer, he found confidence in his abilities. "I looked at the squad and thought if I go there and show what I can do, I've got a chance of playing, and thankfully it's happened," he affirmed. Describing himself as a player who thrives on possession, seeking to aid the team in challenging situations and create scoring opportunities, Palmer exuded self-assurance in his chosen path.

Acknowledging his departure from Manchester City, Palmer recounted a positive exchange with his former manager, Pep Guardiola, who conveyed his congratulations and well wishes. Notably, Raheem Sterling, another player transitioning from the Etihad Stadium to Stamford Bridge, has been an influential figure for Palmer. Recalling their interactions during his time at City and subsequent move to Chelsea, Palmer highlighted Sterling's supportive role, providing valuable advice and guidance.