Cole Palmer turns up at football match in disguise after pulling out of England duty

Cole Palmer found himself with a Saturday off and chose to watch Stockport's win over Wrexham.

The Chelsea star attempted to disguise himself at Edgeley Park as he wore a big coat, a hat and a scarf to try and cover himself up. Palmer had reported for England duty earlier in the week but pulled out with an injury concern and found himself at a loose end.

The 22-year-old is from nearby Wythenshawe and opted to watch the League One clash. Stockport's win, owing to Louie Barry's strike in the first-half, means they close the gap on Wrexham and sit just a point behind them in fourth.

Palmer's next assignment back on the pitch will be when Chelsea, who held Arsenal last time out, head to Leicester City as they look to consolidate themselves as a top four outfit.

The playmaker's decision to pull out of England duty has copped criticism - and he was a number of players to cite injury as their reason for withdrawing. Harry Kane was a vocal critic of those who turned their back on this set of international games, insisting country should come before club.

Palmer is relatively new into the England set-up having enjoyed a rapid rise. The Chelsea star enjoyed a breakout year last term and was one of the Premier League's outstanding performers, helping him earn a spot in the squad that went to the Euros.

He has been vocal though regarding his frustration with Gareth Southgate opting to largely use him from the bench, resigning him to substitute cameos. Palmer came off the bench to score in the final but has wondered how he could've done to justify selection.

Image: REX) REX)

The Blues star told Sky Sports: "It was difficult, not playing. You're going into a new group, you have the lads that have been there a number of years, obviously being a new, young player, all the lads did take me in to be fair, like they should with all the young players. So it was quite easy to settle in but obviously not playing, and thinking to yourself, like, 'why', just questioning yourself."

Having been asked if he doubted his own ability, Palmer replied: "I didn't question my ability because I knew what I did in the season. You're just thinking 'why', and stuff like that, but I just thought, 'when I do get on, I'm just going to try to make an impact and do something'."

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