Cole Palmer had to ask John Stones if he was ‘messing’ in a very wholesome reaction to being handed his England Player of the Year award.
The Three Lions star has only made nine appearances for his country since he made his debut in 2023, scoring twice in that time – one of them being his country’s only goal in their 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat.
Palmer has been crowned England’s POTYEngland
He’s made just nine appearances for his country but already earned the awardEngland
But despite being very early on in his international career, Palmer has been awarded for his instant impact.
And his teammate John Stones made sure to give it to him in suitable style.
In footage posted on England’s X account, Stones is seen going into the England camp’s cryotherapy chamber ahead of the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Finland, both live on talkSPORT.
Holding the award, he said: “It’s for you, lad!”
Palmer looks completely stunned as he takes the award.
“That for me?” the 22-year-old said. “Are you messing?”
“I swear!” Stones laughed.
Pulling out Palmer’s ‘cold’ iconic goal celebration, Stones congratulates his pal as they make their way out of the chamber.
The Three Lions star becomes the first Chelsea player to win the award since current England assistant coach Ashley Cole in 2010.
The exclusive club of players to have won the award include David Beckham, who won it in 2003 whilst playing for Manchester United.
Palmer and Stones shared a wholesome moment as he got the awardEngland
Palmer sent England fans wild with his goal at the finalGetty
Wayne Rooney also claimed it in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.
The Chelsea star was voted Three Lions’ fans’ stand-out male player for 2023/24 ahead of Jude Bellingham and last year’s winner Bukayo Saka in second and third respectively.
Palmer made his debut during a 2-0 win over Malta at Wembley in November 2023, claiming legacy number 1276.
He also made five appearances during Euro 2024, scoring twice, including against Spain in the final.
Palmer has bagged a whopping 31 goals and 20 assists in 54 games for Chelsea.
Asked by Stones what his favourite moment has been over the past year, he smiled: “My favourite moment is either my debut or the goal in the final.”
Stones had a wholesome reaction to his younger teammate’s achievement too.
Palmer enjoyed his teammate’s praiseEngland
“I’m extremely proud of you and what you’ve done,” he said. “And you deserve the trophy, so I couldn’t be happier for you mate.”
Palmer smiles and then laughed.
“Thank you very much, John,” he joked. “I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me!”
