Palmer scores first half hat-trick as Chelsea beat Wolves
With the World Cup just four months away, Cole Palmer delivered a timely display of his abilities on Saturday. The Chelsea forward netted a first-half hat-trick as the Blues secured a 3-1 victory over bottom-placed Wolves, maintaining their strong pursuit of a top-four Premier League finish.
Two of Palmer’s goals came from penalties, where he exhibited his characteristic calmness by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way on both occasions. Despite being hampered by a groin injury this season, Palmer’s three goals nearly doubled his Premier League tally for the campaign, increasing it from four to seven.
This performance also strengthens his case for inclusion in the England squad.
"If he's impacting games, like we know he can, from now to the end of the season, he's a sure thing to be in the squad," former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy told .
"He can play wide, he can play as a 10. He's just so good on the ball and classy and simply doesn't fear anybody.
"Even if you bring him off the bench, you know he can do unbelievable things. He can win you a game in a heartbeat."
Can Palmer build momentum?
'Cole looked happy today' - Rosenior reacts to Chelsea win
Palmer celebrated his opening goal against Wolves by covering his ears, possibly responding to recent reports suggesting he is unsettled in London. The former Manchester City player has endured a challenging season, with injuries causing intermittent absences and new Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior managing his playing time carefully.
Since Rosenior took charge at the start of the year, questions have frequently arisen regarding Palmer's form, fitness, and mindset. This standout performance offered a direct answer to those concerns, but maintaining this level will be crucial for Palmer.
"We know what a world-class player he is. He's played a lot of football over the last year with not much rest," Rosenior said.
"When he's at his best, he's unstoppable. I'm delighted to be working with him."
It is worth noting that Palmer scored twice in the Club World Cup final less than six months ago and amassed 37 Premier League goals across the two seasons prior to this one.
'Battle on his hands' - will Palmer make World Cup squad?
Cole Palmer has now scored eight goals across all competitions for Chelsea this season.
If Palmer can sustain this momentum, he will be reaching peak form at an opportune moment. He was a key player for England at Euro 2024 but has made only one appearance under current England manager Thomas Tuchel — a 1-0 victory against Andorra last June.
Injuries have played a role in limiting his appearances, but competition for places is also intense, with players like Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham competing for the number 10 position.
"At the moment it looks like Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham will be the two who are ahead of him," former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Final Score.
"I'd be looking to find a way to get him in the side."
When asked about selecting Palmer for England, former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton was more direct: "Not at the minute, no. I'd play Rogers."
England has two friendlies scheduled before the World Cup — against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan four days later — providing a significant opportunity for players like Palmer to impress Tuchel.
"I don't think Cole [Palmer] is at his best yet," Murphy said.
"Like a lot of players, when you have had a bad injury and you've had quite a lot of time out, it does take game time to get your rhythm and your sharpness back.
"He really needs to start playing regularly to force his way into the England squad and team, because at the moment with Morgan Rogers doing what he's doing, and other players playing well, he's got a battle on his hands."
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