Southgate explains why Cole Palmer didn’t play against Brazil, and whether he’d feature against Belgium

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Cole Palmer wasn’t part of the England squad that played the friendly game against Brazil on Sunday.

Cole Palmer missed the game after a fitness concern.

England boss Gareth Southgate has played down fears about Palmer’s fitness, and is optimistic about the Chelsea star’s chances to feature against Belgium on Tuesday.

“The two boys trained today, so they’ve come through that okay,” England boss Gareth Southgate said of Cole Palmer and Jordan Henderson who also missed the Brazil game.

“So they should join the group that will train tomorrow [Sunday], so we’ll go from there with that.

“Tuesday, Belgium have played a different eleven, or close to, so they’re going to be a bit fresher.

“But similar to tonight, we’re talking about a high-level game, a brilliant experience for the players, a chance to see new players again, build towards the summer.”