Cole Palmer has opened up on the anguish and disappointment he continues to feel watching England at the World Cup.
The Chelsea forward thrived at the European Championships two summers ago and scored in the final against Spain.
Palmer had featured prominently under Thomas Tuchel during the qualifying campaign and started England’s last friendly against Japan before the squad was announced last month.
A disappointing season for his club ultimately cost the 24-year-old who became one of several high-profile omissions.
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The Three Lions have made it through to the last 16 despite lacking the sort of creativity and spark Palmer may have provided.
England have instead relied on moments of attacking brilliance from the likes ofHarry Kane and Jude Bellingham to get them to this stage.
Tuchel’s option on the right flank, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, have struggled to make an impact so far while Bellingham’s understudy, Morgan Rogers has been used only sparingly.
Palmer, who overcame his fitness issues towards the end of last season, is confident he could have have made a significant impact and eased the burden on England’s star duo Kane and Bellingham.
He told The Times:I’m watching it where I can. I’m enjoying my holidays and doing different things, but when I’m chilling then, yeah, if a game is on I’ll watch it.
‘Well, of course I do (wish I was part of the squd). Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it’s a decision that I cannot change and a hard one, for whatever reason.
‘But I’m just trying to enjoy the summer off — the first summer I’ve ever had off.’
Jamie Carragher added his name to the growing list of pundits who suggested Tuchel made a costly error by refusing to take a gamble on Palmer.
Asked if he agreed with those sentiments, Palmer added: ‘Yeah, of course it’s nice, but I’m not there.
‘I know what I could have offered, you know — something different to what the manager has picked.
‘But like I said before, I can’t change the decision and I wish everyone all the best.’