Cole Palmer: Is Chelsea forward in World Cup picture for England after hat-trick at Wolves?

If Palmer can now build momentum, he will be hitting form at just the right time.

He was a key player for England at Euro 2024 but has made just one appearance under current boss Thomas Tuchel – in a 1-0 win against Andorra last June.

Injuries have been a factor, but there is also competition for places – with the likes of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham rivalling him for the number 10 role.

“At the moment it looks like Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham will be the two who are ahead of him,” said former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha on BBC Final Score.

“I’d be looking to find a way to get him in the side.”

When asked if he would select Palmer for England, former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton was a little more blunt: “Not at the minute, no. I’d play Rogers.”

England have two more friendlies lined up before the World Cup – against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan four days later – so that international camp will offer a big chance for players such as Palmer to impress Tuchel.

“I don’t think Cole [Palmer] is at his best yet,” said Murphy.

“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.”