‘I was next to him’ — Bukayo Saka reacts as Cole Palmer wins England Player of the Year award

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has congratulated his England teammate Cole Palmer on winning the England Player of the Year award.

Palmer edged out Saka and Jude Bellingham for the honor, after a stellar 2024.

Saka praised his teammate's achievement, saying it was well-deserved.

"Credit to Cole (Palmer) for winning Player of the Year. It's a big achievement and he deserves it," Saka said.

"I was next to him at the time; his mouth was just open; he couldn't believe it."

Palmer's impressive year includes scoring his first England goal in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, despite not starting a single match in the tournament.

He also set up Ollie Watkins to score the winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands.

This recognition follows Palmer's PFA Young Player of the Year award in August, capping off an incredible debut season at Chelsea. The 21-year-old scored 25 goals in all competitions after joining the Blues from Manchester City last summer.