Paul Merson has a theory on why Chelsea’s Cole Palmer may struggle a bit playing for England. In fact, it’s the reason why he would prefer Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to start over him in the starting XI at the Euros.
Gareth Southgate’s side are now just over 24 hours away from their first game of Euro 2024, when England face Serbia in the group stages.
All eyes will be on the Three Lions boss to see his team selection for the opening match.
Chelsea supporters will be intrigued to see if Cole Palmer, 22, starts for England against Serbia.
The Blues attacker only has four senior international caps to his name, but he started both warm-up matches earlier in June in preparation for the Euros.
Paul Merson highlights potential problem for Chelsea star
While speaking on Football’s Greatest, Paul Merson identified a possible issue that Chelsea’s Palmer may have when representing his country.
He’s explained that the talented playmaker is used to be being the talisman at club level and will always receive possession, but playing right wing for England would require a different set of skills.
Merson said: “He’s playing at Chelsea, I go to Stamford Bridge and watch him, he’s been absolutely outstanding this season. But he’ll go get the ball off [Malo[ Gusto, he’ll take it off him and go play. He’ll touch the ball 100 times. You can’t do that when you play for England.
“You’ve got to hold your position and stay there. He touches the ball 100 times [per match] for Chelsea. He’ll touch the ball 25 times for England. Different.
“[Bukayo] Saka is used to that. Saka plays that way… You’ve got to play these players that are used to playing against this kind of defence. I’m a massive fan of Palmer, I think he’s outstanding, but he doesn’t play in front of Saka.”
Cole Palmer can be pivotal for England
When you watch international football, especially at tournaments, games are so often won buy a piece of individual brilliance. That is why England simply must get in-form attacker Palmer on the pitch at some stage.
It’s fair enough if the Chelsea star has to bide his time in the tournament to get into the XI, but we expect some impactful cameos off the bench to pile the pressure on Southgate to start him.
England are so fortunate as a national side to have all these attackers vying for positions fresh off wonderful seasons for their respective clubs.