England star believes he CAN win the Ballon d’Or and reveals what two things he needs to become the fifth Three Lions star to be named the best player in the world
- England have had four players win a Ballon d’Or, with Kevin Keegan winning two
- The Three Lions have not seen a star win since Michael Owen in 2001
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A current England star has insisted they have what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or and end a 23-year wait for football’s biggest solo honor to be awarded to a Three Lions international.
Over the years, England have had some success in the Ballon d’Or, with Michael Owen taking victory in 2001, becoming the fourth to do so since Stanley Matthews won the inaugural gong in 1956.
Wins for Bobby Charlton and back-to-back wins for Kevin Keegan put England eighth on the all-time success list, behind the likes of Brazil, France, Germany and Argentina, who traditionally dominate.
But now an England player believes he has what it takes to make it to fifth place for the Three Lions after being shortlisted for this year’s award, which will be presented later this month, aged just 22 , after a breakout campaign in 2023. -24.
“It was a surprise to be recognized at that level so early in my career. It’s a huge honor,” said Cole Palmer The Telegraph in an exclusive interview.
An England star has revealed in an interview that they could win the Ballon d’Or
The last English striker to win the award was Michael Owen, in 2001
“It would be great to win it, and I believe with hard work and consistency I could get there!”
Palmer is one of six England players shortlisted for football’s most prestigious individual award.
He joins national team captain Harry Kane, former Man City teammate Phil Foden, Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham in the ranks.
He added: ‘Repetition is vital. You have to keep pushing your limits and improving every season. It’s about setting higher standards for yourself and striving to exceed them.’
Palmer’s rise has been nothing short of explosive, breaking the mold for Chelsea since his €42.5 million move from Manchester City last summer.
However, since arriving at a somewhat turbulent Chelsea last year, Palmer has consistently been the standout performer, scoring 31 times and assisting 20 times in his 54 Blues appearances.
Last season saw him on an incredible hot streak for most of the season, with the forward scoring 22 goals in 33 top-flight appearances in 2023/24, tying Frank Lampard’s club record.
‘That’s a solid record. It’s certainly a goal of mine to strive for that… and maybe even further! I always try to improve my score and I think I showed this by scoring four times in the first half [against Brighton last month]. Apparently I made history!
Cole Palmer is undoubtedly the star player for Chelsea, scoring 30 goals in 54 games
His performances have increased calls for the England team to be built around him
He has also been given a more central role under Enzo Maresca, of which he said: ‘Playing centrally has given me more opportunities to influence the game.
‘I enjoy being involved in the build-up and making key passes as well as goals. It suits my style and I think I can be even more effective there.’
Chelsea travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon in a blockbuster clash with Arne Slot’s Liverpool.