He won’t need to file a report to head coach Gareth Southgate. It’s a formidable achievement worthy of serious discussion at international level on its own.
His first three goals last night were marked by the trademark shiver celebration reflecting his ‘cold’ Palmer nickname. But this boy is red hot.The embarrassing scenes as Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson openly fought over who should take the spot kick stained what would have been a flawless night and shows there is still much work to be done in the camp building team spirit amongst a bunch of kids.
Boss Pochettino even admits Palmer has carried his team through the many bad times in his breakthrough season. Yet to start an England game, Palmer has two caps as a sub against the might of North Macedonia and Malta before Christmas.If fit and in this sort of form when a draining season draws to a conclusion for Chelsea on May 19 at home to Bournemouth, there seems no way Southgate can leave him out.And if the squads are increased from 23 to 26 players it might be easier than he thinks. There may be no need for a tough call to get him on the plane.