Finally, at long last, Chelsea's player of the season was given an opportunity to make his mark for his country at Euro 2024.

Cole Palmer had been forced to watch from the sidelines for the first two games, however he was finally given a chance to make an impact by Gareth Southgate.

While the decision came too late to have any impact on the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, it was clear how he lifted the performance as a whole.

Another figure who was impressed was Southgate, who said in multiple interviews to the BBC how promising his cameo was.

He said: "He did very good. He finds space well and he makes chances and we were backing him to score at the end. They are young players and we are blooding them in a difficult environment. They had a good impact for us and did good things for us.

"Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, it was a really good move. We have to build on that. There were a lot of things to build on from tonight.

MORE CHELSEA STORIES

"He looked very sharp, that is what we have seen in the last few days training. We have got some very good players in the squad and I don't feel as though we should hesitate to use them."

Conor Gallagher struggles for England It remains to be seen whether the manager decides to give Palmer the start for the next game, with the group stages now over and the Round of 16 to come.

Chelsea's other England representative did not fare so well last night, with Conor Gallagher being brought in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the only change from the starting lineup.

Despite the fact that the game and position did not look suited to him even before the match, he was still given the start, only to be replaced at half-time.