Rio Ferdinand has branded Cole Palmer a 'precocious talent' who should be a key player for England after the Chelsea star was criticised by Roy Keane.
Palmer was left out of England's World Cup squad over the summer but was recalled in Thomas Tuchel's latest squad for the ongoing international break. The 24-year-old will not feature for the Three Lions, however, after pulling out of the squad due to what Tuchel described as 'discomfort and pain'.
Tuchel's frustration over missed opportunities
Tuchel said the Chelsea talisman 'misses too many opportunities' to play for England, telling reporters: 'My understanding is that he is playing with discomfort and pain, and he cannot compete at the highest level with discomfort and pain.'
'So he withdrew and informed us, and Chelsea informed us. For sure. It is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities. I don't blame him for it. It is just a fact.'
'He misses way too many camps with injuries, and I only want to rely on what I witness and see within in my team, and for that you have to be in camp.'
'And if you're not in camp, there is a next level to impress that you cannot achieve because you can only do it when you are actually on the pitch with me. So yes, it is a missed opportunity.'
Keane's criticism and Ferdinand's response
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was critical of Palmer ahead of England's Nations League defeat to Spain on Saturday night.
'Well, I think, whatever his injuries, and if he is injured… I watched his last game against Brentford and if you think he's going to get England to another level and win trophies, forget about it,' he said on ITV.
'I like Palmer, he's a talented boy, but he's got far too many bad habits, for me.'
Keane's comments were put to Ferdinand, and the ex-Manchester United and England defender was quick to leap to Palmer's defence. Asked about Keane's assessment of Palmer, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: 'I don't think there's a squad that should be picked for England that Cole Palmer shouldn't be in.'
'I'm sorry, I just think he gives you something different. He gives you that ability to slice through defensive units that have been set up. He has the ability to see that pass. He does things that none of the other players can do.'
'Cole Palmer is a precocious talent and I think you need him in and around the squad. He's a kid who doesn't get fazed on the biggest stage as well, he's got that bit of arrogance about him which you need.'
'I get you need to be fit and have that harmonious vibe in the squad but this kid… you wait for someone like him. I'm not saying he has to start but, boy, I find it hard not to put him in.'
'I think he's a wonderful footballer. Roy might have seen him having a bad day against Brentford but what this kid can do with a football is rare.'
England play their second game of the three-week international break on Tuesday night, taking on Czech Republic in Prague.
