Thomas Tuchel gives verdict on Cole Palmer's England role | OneFootball

Incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted his excitement towards working with Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

Palmer emerged as a star of the Premier League last season and forced his way into the thinking of former England boss Gareth Southgate in the build-up to Euro 2024, in which he assisted in the semi-final and scored in the final.

The 22-year-old continues to dazzle at club level with Chelsea and Tuchel was asked for an insight into his plans for the Blues star.

"That's a bit too far, going into individual players!" Tuchel told Sky Sports News after the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw. "But he is definitely on form, I think everyone would agree on that.

"Hopefully he can still grow and keep the level up. Everyone enjoys watching him. He's cool, composed, he's very clinical in finishing and assisting. Very impressive at the moment."

Tuchel watched England's 2026 World Cup draw / Ryan Pierse/GettyImages

Tuchel plans to attend a number of Premier League games in the new year to get a closer look at Palmer and other players fighting for a spot in the England side.

"You will see me in stadiums from January, yes," he continued. "Work starts from the signature because you get engaged [in the project] and today [the draw] was the kick off for the World Cup campaign so obviously we have to be there.

"Of course we will be very regularly in St George's Park because this is where our base is and this is where we want to create an atmosphere and this is where we are happy to engage with all the people who work for the FA. We want to interact with them, we want to use quality and feel the place.

"We will watch a lot of matches starting in January. I want to see the matches live, I will speak to the players - but also not interfere too much because they are players of the clubs and should focus on that. You will see us in stadiums a lot from January onwards."