Cole Palmer couldn't get in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup but his Chelsea team-mate Joao Pedro reckons he's more than good enough to play for Brazil
10:56, 27 May 2026
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro of Chelsea look dejected after the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Joao Pedro reckons England reject Cole Palmer is good enough to play for Brazil.
Chelsea superstar Palmer has been left stunned after being axed from Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup this summer. The attacking midfielder has paid the price for a disappointing season at club level.
The 24-year-old managed just 11 goals in 34 appearances, with Chelsea failing to win silverware or securing Champions League qualification. But team-mate Pedro, appearing on the 'Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast', believes Palmer is a 'magic' footballer - and someone good enough to grace the current Brazilian side.
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READ MORE: Cole Palmer price tag and stars Chelsea are open to selling this summer come to lightREAD MORE: Chelsea make Joao Pedro transfer decision as truth about £95m Premier League swoop revealed
Pedro reckons Palmer would suit the No.10 role - if he wasn't English.
He said: "He’s very intelligent. He’s magic. I said to him before, 'I didn't think you were that good.' And he looked at me. I said, 'Yeah, but now because I play with him, yeah, he's different.
"I said to him, 'Why don't you come to Brazil? The number 10 there, mate. No problem.' Because in Brazil, we don't have this guy.
"If you watch us, we play 4-2-4. We don't have a number 10. So, yeah, Cole is a different guy.
"Sometimes he's quiet. But then, one second, he changes the game. So, he's very good."
Meanwhile, Joao Pedro has been linked with a shock move to Barcelona. But Chelsea have no intention of selling the striker this summer, after scoring 20 goals in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Sources close to Chelsea have told Football London that the former Brighton forward is not for sale at any price.
Head to the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel at 8am on Wednesday 27th May to watch the full interview. www.youtube.com/@rioferdinandpresents
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