Cole Palmer makes first public appearance with his influencer girlfriend

Cole Palmer traded the football field for the red carpet on Tuesday night – and had his girlfriend for company – at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Palmer was suited and booted for the chic event at Kensington Roof Gardens in London, as he posed for photos with influencer Connie Grace.

Palmer and Grace, a fellow Mancunian, have reportedly been dating for about three months but made their first public appearance together on Tuesday.

The Chelsea star opted for a black suit and bow tie, with Grace matching in a black dress that showed off her toned midriff.

However, the footballer made sure that it was not just about himself and Grace, because in the capital he also had his mother Marie by his side.

The pair posed for Marie in a proud moment as her son stole the spotlight after a breakthrough 12 months for club and country.

Palmer's teammate Noni Madueke was also at the event, fresh off performances for England against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

Madueke seized his opportunity in the absence of Bukayo Saka and registered an assist in England's 3-0 win in Athens last Thursday.

He had a quieter performance at Wembley on Sunday but the Three Lions went into turmoil in the second half to beat Ireland 5-0 and secure promotion from the Nations League in Lee Carsley's final game as interim boss .

Madueke went for a slightly more casual look than Palmer, but still looked good as he donned a black cardigan with a white shirt underneath.

Palmer and Madueke are likely to be straight back into training on Wednesday, while Chelsea are back in action against Leicester in the lunch kick-off on Saturday.

The former withdrew from the England squad last week due to injury, but has now returned to training and is expected to be fit for the weekend trip to the King Power Stadium.

Another England talent who missed out last week is Kobbie Mainoo, but he was also at the bash on Tuesday night.

Mainoo rocked a black leather jacket and pants with a simple white T-shirt to boot.

The teenage midfielder has been sidelined in recent weeks due to injury, but was back on the training pitch on Monday for the first session of new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. on Sunday.