Cole Palmer has been in the news for the past week after he pulled out of the England squad for this window's UEFA Nations League games.

He was subtly criticised by head coach Thomas Tuchel, while Roy Keane had much harsher words for the Chelsea star.

Keane's former teammate, Rio Ferdinand, disagreed with the Irishman, leaping to the defence of Palmer.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former England international stated categorically that the 24-year-old should be one of the first names picked in the England squad, when fit.

'He Does Things Others In An England Shirt Do Not Have The Audacity To Do': Ferdinand Backs Palmer For England

Rio Ferdinand spoke on his podcast, where Joel Beya asked for his thoughts on Keane's claim that Palmer does not move the needle for the Three Lions.

Ferdinand did not mince words in his response, stating clearly that he believes that the Chelsea forward has attributes that should make him one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel's squad list.

He likened Palmer to Manchester City and France gem Rayan Cherki for his ability to create magic with the ball at his feet.

"I don't think there's a squad that gets picked for England that Palmer shouldn't be in. If you're looking at someone like a [Rayan] Cherki for France, Palmer's the equivalent of that for England.

"He does something that none of the others can do. But as great a player as [Jude] Bellingham is, he can't get on the half-turn at any range and find a pass the way that Cole Palmer can, I'm sorry.

"What he can do with a football, man. This kid, he does something that there aren't many, if any, players in an England shirt are able or even have the audacity to do."

Palmer missed the FIFA World Cup this summer after Tuchel decided that his performance in the 2025-26 season did not warrant a place in the squad.

This season, he has scored four goals and provided two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea, playing under Xabi Alonso, as he appears to be finding his best form again.

How Has Cole Palmer Performed In An England Shirt So Far?

Cole Palmer has hardly got a consistent run in the England national team owing to the significant competition for places in his position, and various fitness problems.

He made his senior debut for the Three Lions in November 2023, shortly after he completed his £45 million move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge.

After a stunning 2023-24 season at Chelsea, then-England manager Gareth Southgate included the talented youngster in his final squad for Euro 2024.

Palmer was used sparingly in the tournament but made his mark in the final against Spain with a low, driven shot into the bottom corner of the goal to level the scores after coming off the bench.

Tuchel's appointment as England boss coincided with Palmer's groin injury nightmare and subsequent dip in form in the 2025-26 season.

His last outing for England was in March, in a 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley, and Tuchel was clearly not impressed, as he omitted his name from the World Cup squad.

In total, Cole Palmer has played 14 times for England, scoring two goals and providing an assist.