Chelsea star Cole Palmer fell asleep during England World Cup KO game and can’t remember where he went to in Europe

COLE PALMER started the summer not having a clue what to do with himself. The Chelsea star, 24, was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel, left at home during the World Cup and facing a first free summer of his senior career. Cole Palmer fell asleep during England’s win over Mexico Credit: Getty He was brutally snubbed in the World Cup squad – but did get a summer off Credit: Getty Seven weeks stretching out in front of him, off the back of a frustrating and injury hit season under two different managers, Palmer was stuck. He said: “It was strange. I didn’t know where to go, not in the first week. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! “I went on holiday and was thinking, ‘Where do I go next?’ And checking when I was back in [training]. “To be fair, I got bored after like six weeks. I was sat in Marbella thinking, ‘I want to go back in’, and I never thought I’d think that. “My summer was great. I had seven weeks off or something. Which I’ve never really had. It was good. I went on holiday with my family. I feel fresh.” That hunger to return stemmed not only from a season in which Palmer was far from his best, but also from the realisation Tuchel did not think he was good enough to help England. Despite the snub, he still watched his Three Lions team-mates, though did admit to nodding off during their dramatic last-16 triumph over Mexico in the early hours. Palmer added: “Naturally. It’s like anything. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS The Chelsea Blueprint on YouTube Calling all Chelsea fans - we have a brand new YouTube channel! “If someone told you that you’re essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you’re going to think, alright, whatever then, try to go that extra bit harder. “I watched some of it. Obviously I was away and the times were a bit mad in America. It was a bit difficult. “But I did watch. I managed to stay up for England-Mexico. But then I fell asleep at half-time.” Is the desire to return to Tuchel’s squad driving his season? Not necessarily. He said: “I’m not really thinking about that now, to be honest. I’m just looking forward to the season with Chelsea, and to be honest, I’m not too bothered about that.” Palmer’s lack of form throughout the season stemmed from a groin injury suffered at the start of last season, which hampered him throughout the campaign. It was the first serious injury the forward has ever suffered and he admits that he did not know how to handle the situation, playing when he should not have done. Surgery was considered, but never called for despite going for a consultation – not that Palmer can recall which part of Europe he was in. He said: “I can’t remember where, it was either Sweden or Denmark, one of them countries anyway, I went to see a doctor. “We did speak about it but didn’t end up getting it.” And now Palmer is convinced he is ready to go for the new season. He said: “I didn’t really know how to deal with it. “The first few months, with me being injured, I just wanted to go out and play, which I probably shouldn’t have done. “Obviously I couldn’t play how I wanted to play. It was a bad season personally with injuries and stuff but I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped. I’m ready to go again. Part of Palmer’s excitement around the new season, aside from the arrival of very close friend Morgan Rogers, is the chance to work with Xabi Alonso. As soon as the England squad was announced without his star man, the Spaniard sent a message of reassurance. Alonso has been encouraged by Palmer’s level and has explained in detail what he wants from him, still asking him to closely follow a plan in the hope that gives the playmaker the freedom he needs. Palmer said: “When I got told I wasn’t going to the World Cup, I think he knew, so he messaged me. I can’t remember what he said. “I think he said don’t worry about it or whatever, normal stuff. It was nice. “We spoke. He sees me in the 10, in the pockets, close to the striker. So we’ll see. “It’s been good, him and his staff have been good, a breath of fresh air with his ideas. I’m really enjoying it.” Comment now