Rio Ferdinand has shared whether or not he thinks Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has played himself into England’s starting XI for their next match at Euro 2024.
England ended up finishing top of Group C at the Euros. They beat Serbia in their opener, plus recorded draws against Denmark and Slovenia. As a result, Gareth Southgate’s side play Slovakia on Sunday evening in the last-16 stage.
Cole Palmer, 22, spent most of the group stages sat watching on the England bench. He did make a positive impact in his one appearance, though.
The Chelsea attacker got 20 minutes as a substitute on the right wing versus Serbia, which he used to remind everyone of his directness and attacking threat.
Would Rio Ferdinand start Chelsea player?
Rio Ferdinand claims that Chelsea’s Palmer has done enough to break into England’s starting line-up this weekend. He would find room for the 22-year-old playmaker against Slovakia.
Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “Cole Palmer’s come on and done really well. I think Cole Palmer needs to stay in the team.
“I think you’ve got to find somewhere still for [Bukayo] Saka to play. Do you keep Saka on the right and say to Cole Palmer you come in, [Conor] Gallagher sit down, and play Cole Palmer in the 8/10 position? Or do you swap him and [Phil] Foden and put him in there now? I don’t know but I think you’ve got to find a way of getting these guys in.”
Cole Palmer is ready to light up tournament
There’s not much doubt about Palmer as a footballer. He just needs to stage and game time to show what he’s all about.
The Chelsea Chronicle isn’t too aggrieved that he didn’t start the tournament in the XI, with Gareth Southgate sticking by more experienced individuals that he trusts. However, it’s been baffling that he’s not had more minutes from the bench so far.
When you see the way that England’s star attackers have struggled at Euro 2024, now could be the perfect time to unleash Palmer. We can be sure that Slovakia will fear his name if he’s picked on Sunday.
The Chelsea talisman definitely as the potential to grow into something similar with England.
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