Palmer was outstanding in his first two campaigns at Stamford Bridge, but injury made it difficult for him to replicate that level of performance in 2025/26.

He didn’t go to the FIFA World Cup this summer, and the break afforded him a chance to rest and reset. It has served Palmer well, with the attacker already finding the net four times and registering two assists.

We will find out today if Palmer is back in the England fold, but for now Alonso has urged him to just keep playing with a smile on his face.

‘I think there's some more to come from Cole,’ said Alonso.

‘I'm very happy with Cole. The way he has prepared since the first day of pre-season, he's been there. He has shown this desire to enjoy his game.

‘What he wants is to enjoy his game, to have this good feeling on the pitch, to have this connection with players around. If he gets that, the rest will come. England will come, winning more games will come.

‘That will come naturally because he's a top-level player and that's the main thing, for him to feel good.’

Alonso has not been working with Palmer for long, but he can already tell he has a unique personality that will continue to stand him in good stead.

‘I've been here for two months. Day by day I get to know the players better, and I get to know Cole better, and Cole gets to know me better.

‘It’s about having connection, having contact, and Cole is a special man.’