It’s been a season to remember for Kasey Palmer, who capped off his campaign as a winner in the Toulon Tournament earlier this week.
The Chelsea forward joined Gareth Southgate’s England Under-21s squad for the first time ahead of the prestigious competition in France.
And the 19-year-old came home with a winners’ medal to add to the UEFA Youth League title he picked up with the Blues U21s this season.
Kasey Palmer in action against Portugal in England's first win of the Toulon Tournament
"It’s a great honour for me and my family and it was a great end to the season," admitted Palmer, who was called into the squad as a late replacement for Demarai Gray.
"I won the Youth League this season as well, so to win something with England was great as well, especially on my first time with the U21s as well.
"It’s been a good experience and the boys have been great, on and off the pitch.
"I’ve felt welcome and been able to express myself because the coach has given me that freedom so it’s been a quality trip to end what has been a great season for me personally."
Palmer had previously represented the Three Lions at U17, U18 and U20 level prior to his first link-up with Southgate’s squad.
But he slipped seamlessly into the group and impressed during his outings in Toulon, alongside fellow Blues Nathaniel Chalobah, Lewis Baker, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and under the watchful eye of Chelsea assistant coach and Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland.
Palmer and his England squad mates celebrate their Toulon title on Sunday
"The whole squad have contributed and everyone has played a crucial role [in the win]," he told TheFA.com
"Even when I didn’t start on Sunday, I felt like I played a part during the tournament and helping the boys get through.
"It’s been difficult at times because everyone has played a lot of football and people are tired but we came through in the end and deserved to win it."
The Lewisham-born player, who hails from Catford, is now intending to take a well-earned break after a season which saw him as a regular for Chelsea’s U21s whilst also training with the first-team squad during the second half of the campaign.
And he’s hoping to use the end-of-season momentum with England to make sure he returns to pre-season with the Stamford Bridge club in a position to keep challenging for progress.
"I’m going to try and enjoy the break, after a tough season and a lot of games," he explained.
"So I’ll have a nice holiday with my girlfriend and the family and come back fresh and work hard again in pre-season.
"I’m going to do some of my own stuff before I go back into Chelsea and hopefully I’ll be involved with the first team and if I’m not, I’ll attack it and give 100 per cent."
