Darren Bent was left seriously impressed by Chelsea star Cole Palmer after his first appearance at this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
It’s taken until England’s third and final group stage match for Cole Palmer, 22, to play his first game at a European Championship. He was an unused substitute in the win over Serbia and draw against Denmark, but he played the final 20 minutes of Tuesday night’s draw with Slovenia.
Palmer has sat patiently waiting to make his tournament debut. When it came, he certainly made the most of it during the brief cameo performance as a substitute. The Chelsea playmaker slotted in as the right-winger and did add a threat with his directness.
Darren Bent makes claim about Chelsea star
According to Darren Bent, Chelsea attacker Palmer has to be promoted into England’s starting XI ahead of the last-16 stage. He claimed via his X account that the talented youngster was brilliant for the Three Lions and needs to start.
Will Gareth Southgate start Cole Palmer?
From what we’ve seen at the Euros tournament so far, Palmer’s introduction to the side would be a great injection to an attack that looks lacklustre. Will England boss Gareth Southgate see it in a similar mould, though?
England have preferred a front four of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Would Southgate be prepared to drop one of the star names to accommodate Palmer?
The Chelsea Chronicle would be pleasantly surprised if Palmer starts the last-16 match, which is due to be against the Netherlands or Slovakia. Let’s remember he only played 20 minutes in the entire group.