England stars Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo pose in GQ’s Men of the Year edition – after breakthrough Man United and Chelsea campaigns

England stars Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo have posed as cover stars for GQ’s magazine’s Men of the Year edition.

The magazine have stated that the edition aims to celebrate men who are ‘breaking the rules, changing the game, and taking their slice of the culture to another level’.

Palmer and Mainoo feature after the pair enjoyed stunning seasons at club level and played a role in England reaching the Euro 2024 final.

The pair were jointly interviewed by the magazine for the December issue, with the headline ‘Kobbie Mainoo & Cole Palmer Are Just Getting Started’.

The magazine highlighted Mainoo and Palmer as being two players who ‘grabbed the nation’s attention’ on England’s route to the Euro 2024 final.

The Man United and Chelsea stars enjoyed breakthrough seasons before starring at Euro 2024

Palmer and Mainoo said they had become close friends during England’s Euro 2024 run

Mainoo had begun the tournament on the bench, but forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up as the Euros progressed.

England fans had urged Southgate to ultise Palmer in the tournament, but the Chelsea star was forced to operate as an impact substitute.

Palmer came off the bench to stunning effect in the Euro 2024 final, scoring England’s equaliser to make it 1-1 against Spain.

Southgate’s side were ultimately beaten 2-1 in the final in what proved his final match in charge of the national team.

Mainoo and Palmer told GQ’s that the pair had become close friends during the tournament in Germany, despite starring for rival Premier League clubs.

Mainoo had enjoyed a meteoric rise last season after breaking into the Man United team under Erik ten Hag.

The midfielder had featured in 32 matches for Man United’s first team, which ended with a starring role in their shock win over Man City in the FA Cup final.

Palmer made a stunning impact during his debut season at Chelsea after his summer move from Man City.

Palmer scored England’s equaliser in the Euro 2024 final before their eventual loss to Spain

Mainoo’s breakthrough season at Man United ended with FA Cup success at Wembley

Palmer has continued his stunning form at club level for Chelsea during this season

He scored 27 goals and provided 15 assists in 48 appearances last season, leading to him scooping the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Despite his limited game time at Euro 2024, Palmer was last month named as England men’s player of the year.

Palmer has continued his stunning form this season for Chelsea by scoring seven goals in 13 matches, while Mainoo’s progress has been set back by injury.

The duo are expected to be a key part of new England manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans when he officially takes charge from January.