RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Chelsea forward Cole Palmer says being told he was "essentially not good enough" to make England's World Cup squad will serve as extra motivation this season.
The 24-year-old was controversially left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad, with England finishing third.
Palmer competed at the Club World Cup, the European Championship and the European Under-21 Championship before enjoying his first summer holiday as a professional footballer this time around.
He said he went to Marbella with his family but found the experience "strange" at first, admitting he "got bored after six weeks" and was eager to return.
"I never thought I'd think that," he added. "I was checking when I was back in."
Asked whether missing the World Cup would provide extra motivation, Palmer said: "Yes, naturally it's going to. It's like anything. If someone tells you you're essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you're going to think, 'All right then, I'm going to try to go that extra bit harder'."
The playmaker also revealed it was "nice" when new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso sent him a message soon after learning he had missed out on England selection.
He also spoke about his groin injury last season, which impacted his form, saying he played on it when he "probably shouldn't have done".
Palmer, who admitted he sought specialist advice over whether surgery was needed to address the recurring problem, added: "I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped. I'm ready to go again."
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