Joe Cole has tipped two Chelsea players to reach the very top of world football, suggesting they could one day follow Harry Kane in winning the Ballon d'Or.

It is an enormous compliment, particularly given the company they are being mentioned alongside.

England have produced some exceptional attacking talent in recent years, but Cole believes the current Chelsea generation has the potential to achieve something special.

Joe Cole backs Chelsea duo to win the Ballon d'Or

Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Chelsea's clash with Manchester United last weekend, Cole was asked which English players could follow Kane in winning the Ballon d'Or.

The former Chelsea midfielder named four players: Jude Bellingham, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman and Blues' duo Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Cole believes Kane's success has opened the door for other English players to believe they can also win the prestigious award.

“Cole Palmer could. We've got so much talent. Let's be honest, look at the players. Morgan Rogers, the way he's started,” Cole said.

“These players can step up. Harry Kane has opened up the door for all of them to go, 'If Harry can do it'…”

Kane became the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001, ending a 25-year wait for the award to be won by an England international.

Cole also highlighted the depth of talent available to the national team, suggesting England have never had such a strong pool of players to choose from.

Chelsea will hope Cole Palmer can fulfil his extraordinary potential

For Chelsea supporters, Palmer's inclusion will come as little surprise.

The England international has already established himself as one of the most influential attacking players in the Premier League.

His ability to score, create chances and take responsibility in decisive moments makes it easy to understand why Cole believes he could eventually compete for individual honours at the highest level.

Rogers is equally as deserving to be mentioned. The former Aston Villa forward has developed into a hugely exciting attacking talent, and his performances early in his Chelsea career have caught the attention of some of the biggest names in football.

There is, of course, some distance between being tipped for the Ballon d'Or and actually winning it.

Consistency at the highest level, major trophies and outstanding performances on the biggest stages will all be needed to bridge that gap, but fans will certainly be expecting either, or both, Chelsea stars to come close.