Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is capable of handling the pressure of playing for England.
Palmer has been included in the England squad for March’s internationals with Brazil and Belgium after making his senior debut in November.
The 21-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists since his arrival from Manchester City last summer.
Chelsea’s show of faith in the forward, who started just two league games for the Premier League champions last season, has been rewarded and Pochettino said he spoke with England manager Gareth Southgate on Palmer’s development this week.
At his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend, Pochettino said Palmer plays as if he has been at Chelsea for ’20 years’. He has backed the forward to handle the expectation if he is selected for Euro 2024 this summer.
“I spoke to Gareth [Southgate] a few days ago. I think it’s no surprised that he’s showing a great personality and character. I think the way he adapted to Chelsea’s coaching staff, pressure to play for big club like Chelsea that makes him special.
“His quality is there. I think the most important thing is how he deals with the pressure. Sometimes players need time to deal with this. I think it’s amazing the way he adapt to a new club and he feels like he has been here 20 years. The quality is there.”
