One Switzerland player has expressed his shock that Chelsea’s star man hasn’t played more minutes for England so far at the Euro 2024 tournament.
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer, 22, has certainly been one of the big talking points of the England squad this summer.
Remarkably, he’s not started any of England’s four matches at the Euros. But he has been used off the bench in his nation’s last two games.
Palmer can’t get into the England XI despite 25 goals and 15 assists in Chelsea colours last season.
Interestingly, he did come on the pitch as a right-winger during the last-16 win against Slovakia, while Bukayo Saka moved over to left-back. Could we end up seeing this again in the tournament?
Switzerland player is shocked Cole Palmer hasn’t played more for England
Switzerland forward Kwadwo Duah, who’s scored one goal so far in this Euros, has been speaking to the press ahead of the upcoming showdown this weekend with England.
He’s claimed that he can’t quite believe Chelsea’s Palmer hasn’t been picked more often by England in this summer competition.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of Cole Palmer, but he did a very, very good season last year,” Duah told Sky Sports Football.
“I’m also thinking why is he not playing because his stats were perfect in my opinion.”
Chelsea ace has interesting statistic at Euro 2024
England have scored just four goals in their four matches so far at the tournament, which includes Harry Kane’s extra-time winner against Slovakia.
It’s been pretty evident that the attack has struggled for large stages. That’s why so many supporters are desperate to see Chelsea’s Palmer play more.
FBREF data shares that Palmer is averaging more progressive passes than any England player when he’s on the pitch. These are classified as completed passes that move the ball towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards, or any pass into the penalty area.
Here are England’s top five players with the highest number of progressive passes per 90 minutes so far at the Euros.
- Cole Palmer – 11.3
- Kyle Walker – 7.21
- Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.14
- Kieran Trippier – 6.67
- Kobbie Mainoo – 6.00
It’s quite alarming that England attackers Jude Bellingham (4.88), Bukayo Saka (4.32) or Phil Foden (3.51) don’t make the top five of this list.
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