England begin the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 on Sunday with a last-16 clash against Slovakia.
A lot of the pre-match talk has been around whether or not Chelsea’s Cole Palmer will get his first start of the tournament.
Palmer, 22, was named on the bench in all three of England’s group stage matches at the Euros. His only appearance so far was a lively cameo as a substitute against Slovenia.
On top of that, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher will hope to keep his starting position in midfield against Slovakia.
However, Gallagher was substituted off by England boss Gareth Southgate at half time in the previous match versus Slovenia.
Gary Neville would start Cole Palmer in England’s next match
Gary Neville has shared that he would promote Chelsea’s Palmer into England’s XI against Slovakia.
He would play the versatile Blues attacker on the right wing in place of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Neville told The Overlap: “I think I would probably bring him (Palmer) in for Saka, and I love Saka to bits.”
“I love Saka, but I honestly think Palmer just has to be given a game. I think he has to be given. I don’t know. Just something tells me. The way he played for 20 minutes the other night, he deserves it I think.
“He may come off the bench, Gareth may stick with what he has got… Great player Saka, so I have no problem with it, but I feel Palmer needs to play now.”
Chelsea Player of the Season can ignite flat England attack
There’s no doubt that England have looked flat so far as an attacking unit at Euro 2024. Hopefully, they soon kick into gear now the knockout are starting.
For Palmer, he’s mainly sat patiently watching from there’s no bench.
Based on what he’s shown in the last nine months, he could add much-needed directness and flair. It’s important to note he’s fresh and raring to go, too.