Gary Lineker hails 'exceptionally talented' Cole Palmer as Chelsea star scores stunning first-half hattrick against Everton while Rio Ferdinand claims Blues forward has booked his England Euros spot

Gary Lineker led the praise for Cole Palmer after the Chelsea star scored a 29-minute hattrick in Monday evening's Premier League clash against Everton.

The England international stole the show with a stunning first-half performance as he punished Everton's defensive mistakes to give the Blues a commanding lead.

His three goals marked a second consecutive home hattrick for Palmer who previously scored in Chelsea's dramatic victory over Manchester United.

Palmer's third goal was the best of the bunch as the 21-year-old pounced on a terrible pass out from the back by Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford before lobbing him from over 30-yards out.

Praise was quick to pile in for the former Man City winger who has been one of the signings of the season since swapping the Etihad for Stamford Bridge in a £42.5m switch.

Lineker was amongst the pundits to applaud Palmer's sensational performance as he tweeted on his X profile: 'He’s exceptionally talented is Cole Palmer' alongside three clapping emojis. 

The praise didn't stop there as former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand similarly marvelled over Palmer's opening heroics against the relegation-threatened Toffees.

Palmer featured in England's latest squad ahead of the upcoming European Championship in Germany and Ferdinand believes his performances have made him a must-have name in Gareth Southgate's travelling squad.

Ferdinand named Palmer as amongst England's best, posting online: 'Cole Palmer hitting some mad numbers… on the [plane] to [Germany]. Declan / Jude / Foden / Palmer / Saka / Kane.'

Jamie Carragher also joined in on the Palmer love-in as he tipped the rising star to be amongst the names in contention for the Premier League's player of the year award.

Monday's three-goal haul moves the Manchester-born forward onto 19 top-flight goals in 27 appearances for the Blues and moving him into second place of the Premier League's top scorers this season behind Man City's Erling Haaland.

'Cole Palmer was nailed on for YPOTY, how close is he to POTY?!!' tweeted Carragher.

More to follow.