Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s true behaviour behind closed doors discussed by England coach

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and England coach Joleon Lescott has revealed what he is like away from the spotlight

England coach Joleon Lescott has opened up on Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer's "carefree" attitude off the pitch. The former Premier League defender, who knows Palmer from their time with England's Under-21s, has shed light on the young midfielder's personality.

Chelsea's talisman has enjoyed a remarkable rise since leaving Manchester City last summer, with 50 goal contributions in 53 games. Becoming known for his easy-going demeanour on matchdays almost as much as his cold celebration, Palmer appears to have a unique attitude for an elite player.

After dazzling for England at Euro 2024 and recently scoring four goals in one half, Palmer's talent is undeniable and he's still improving. Meanwhile, he's just as calm and assured off the field, Lescott revealed to Rio Ferdinand during an interview on 'Rio Presents'.

Lescott has been privy to Palmer's development through his role alongside interim England head coach Lee Carsley. In 2023, Palmer was part of the squad that won the U21 Euros and Ferdinand pressed Lescott about the youngster's approach to the game, away from the bright lights of the Premier League.

"He is a little bit carefree, as in he cares as much as everyone but doesn't care what everyone thinks," Lescott told Ferdinand. "That's the balance he's got, and I think that's the beautiful thing with Cole.

"He cares as much as anyone, but then he doesn't care that you like it. He cares that it's the right thing to do in the moment. I don't know how you create that as an individual or through a team or squad. He's focused on doing the right thing at the right moment, without worrying about others' opinions that's an innate quality not easily instilled.

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"But Cole, like, I've said this numerous times. I'm just gutted that this group of players we've seen it before, the Euros if that was on TV, you lot wouldn't be surprised with what Cole's doing. They have a belief and a want to be the best, but also not care."

On Palmer's best qualities, Lescott focused on his comfort with the ball in all areas of the pitch, which he believes sets the Chelsea forward apart. "His ability to receive anywhere," Lescott explained. "Like, you have tens that can receive it, but then don't get it on the edge of our box when the consequences are deeper and if you lose it here... Give it him [Palmer] there.

"We played a game against Germany for the 21s in the Euros. He played as a pivot. The German coach said to me at the time: 'I've never seen an England team play like that.'

"He was just like, give me the ball. But then we're out of possession, and he's running back and doing that because he knows: 'The faster I get it back, the faster I get it.' That's his mindset: 'I just want the ball.' He'd just go and get it anywhere, all of a sudden... Especially when you receive it on the edge of your box. He just loves it."

However, Palmer's game is not perfect yet. Lescott did highlight the Chelsea star's main weakness, which he will improve upon over time. "That's one thing he's probably got to develop: robustness. His body," Lescott said. "These are probably the most games he's playing in a row and at the highest level."

Palmer was named in England's squad on Thursday for the October international break and is poised to play a key role for Carsley's senior side when the Three Lions take on Greece and Finland in the Nations League next week.

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