Cursed fan Cole hopes to take the big stage
by JEREMY CROSS COLE PALMER must have felt cursed growing up as an England fan.
His first memories of watching England in a major tournament were of the defeat to Germany in the 2010 World Cup.
It was the night Frank Lampard’s shot crossed the line but was ruled out as England lost 4-1.
But worse was to come. Four years later he went to Brazil to spend time with his grandad and watch the 2014 World Cup.
But England were out of the tournament before he got off the plane in Rio.
He said: “The one when Lampard ‘scored’. That’s the only thing I remember about that tournament.
“Then I went to Brazil. My granddad lives there.
“By the time I got there England had already been knocked out. But I watched Belgium v Russia. It was in the Maracana.”
Thankfully, Palmer’s status as a jinxed fan doesn’t extent to him being the same now THAT he’s an actual England player.
Having joined Chelsea from Manchester City, the wing wonder has established himself as one of the greatest young talents in English football.
His form towards the end of last season made him an automatic choice for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
And following three huge disappointments, the clamour for Palmer to start against Slovakia tomorrow in the last 16 is now huge.
He said: “Personally I think I should start but it’s not up to me.
“It’s my first tournament and you’ve got players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in my role, so it’s understandable that I’m not playing.
“But it’s normal to want to go on the pitch.”