Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer believes he is ready to start for England at Euro 2024, but he acknowledges that manager Gareth Southgate has a tough decision ahead regarding selection.
Southgate has faced heavy criticism at home and in the stands in Germany for his approach to the tournament, despite the Three Lions making it to the last 16. They will face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Although England topped Group C, they only managed to win one game, against Serbia, and drew with Denmark and Slovenia. Southgate’s decision to play Phil Foden out of position on the left, thereby leaving players like Palmer and Newcastle United winger on the bench, has angered some supporters.
Palmer and the Newcastle United winger came off the bench in the final game against Slovenia, leading to calls for both of them to start alongside Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Palmer believes he is ready, but acknowledges the competition from players like Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka, making it a tough decision for Southgate.
In his own words, “You can see on social media what fans think. There are different teams people want to see playing, so it’s normal. It’s nice to see it, but it’s not up to them, is it? Personally, I think I’m ready, but it’s not up to me. I just wait for my time and when I get on, I try to do what I do. I was excited to get on for 20 minutes and thought I could make an impact. I wouldn’t say I’m impatient because I know it’s my first tournament and there are players like Saka, Foden, and Bellingham in my position, so it is understandable. But I just want to get on and try to impress when I do.”
Meanwhile, former England striker Alan Shearer is backing the team to improve as they aim to reach a second successive final. He said, “There’s only one prediction for me here: England. They will improve. They’ve got to start clicking into third and fourth gear now. So England, without a doubt. I can see it being a convincing win, I hope so. This is the time they’ll put their foot on the gas. They’ll show a lot more energy, they’ll show a lot more confidence. This is where the tournament will start for England.”
England finds itself on the opposite side of the draw from hosts Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal.
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