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The inside Chelsea column with Ben Jacobs!

England got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start following a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia.

It should have been more comfortable after Jude Bellingham’s early header, but it’s rarely a bad thing being tested and coming through unscathed, especially in the opening game of a major tournament.

Conor Gallagher added some much-needed dynamism off the bench in the second half, but Cole Palmer didn’t get any minutes. I was not too surprised by this. Gareth Southgate seemed content to drop deep and opted for experience and wide players he felt could also protect the lead. I thought Jarrod Bowen made a couple of important late blocks and justified his introduction.

It’s going to be tough for Palmer because Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are likely to start the big games when fit, but I still think he will have an impact off the bench.

We have hit a slight lull in the transfer window due to the Euros, which is normal given several players linked with moves are participating. 

For example, it’s a bit harder for Chelsea to get Ian Maatsen sold now he has been included in the Netherlands squad. The upside is if he performs well, there will be more suitors. Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja are in the same boat.

Chelsea don’t feel the 30 June accounting deadline is particularly relevant since they want their sales to put budget on the 2024/25 books and ultimately generate funds to spend this summer. That means they have the whole window to bring in fees.

Finding a striker remains the key priority. Talks are ongoing for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who is being treated as separate to Conor Gallagher as it stands.