Palmer was one of the biggest omissions from Thomas Tuchel\u2019s England squad for the World Cup despite playing a key role in the country\u2019s run to the UEFA Euro 2024 final. The 24-year-old acknowledged that an inconsistent campaign with Chelsea contributed to his exclusion but insisted the setback has become a source of motivation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like anything. If someone tells you you\u2019re essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you\u2019re going to think, \u2018all right\u2019, and try and work even harder,\u201d Palmer told reporters during Chelsea\u2019s pre-season tour in Sydney.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While disappointed to miss England\u2019s campaign, Palmer said the silver lining was the opportunity to enjoy an extended summer break, leaving him refreshed for the new season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was obviously disappointing, but I had seven weeks off during the summer. I feel fresh and ready to get going again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chelsea enter the new campaign under Alonso after finishing a disappointing 10th in the Premier League last season. Palmer said the former Spain international and his coaching staff have made an immediate impact on the squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe and his staff have been good. They\u2019re a breath of fresh air for us players with their ideas and stuff. We\u2019re enjoying it,\u201d Palmer said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The England midfielder also welcomed the arrival of close friend Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in a British-record transfer. The pair came through Manchester City\u2019s academy together and have represented England at youth level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEveryone knows how good he is, and obviously he\u2019s one of my best friends, so I\u2019m very happy about him coming here,\u201d Palmer said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe always speak, and when I heard Chelsea were trying to sign him, I was texting him even more, persuading him to come. He was probably sick of me by that point. I\u2019m glad he\u2019s here now, and I\u2019m looking forward to sharing the pitch with him. He told me straight away that he was coming, but we kept it to ourselves. It was a difficult secret to keep before it was announced,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Palmer believes his partnership with Rogers could add a new dimension to Chelsea\u2019s attack because of their contrasting styles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe always speak, and when I heard Chelsea were trying to sign him, I was texting him even more, persuading him to come. He was probably sick of me by that point. I\u2019m glad he\u2019s here now, and I\u2019m looking forward to sharing the pitch with him. He told me straight away that he was coming, but we kept it to ourselves. It was a difficult secret to keep before it was announced,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chelsea began Alonso\u2019s reign with a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in a pre-season friendly and will next face Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n