England Manager Gareth Southgate explains why Cole Palmer did not play during international break
Gareth Southgate’s unwavering support for Cole Palmer, despite the forward’s absence from recent matches against Brazil and Belgium, has injected fresh hope into Palmer’s chances of securing a spot in England’s final Euro 2024 squad. Despite not featuring in either game due to a minor injury, Palmer’s recent form and his debut for England in November prompted Southgate to include him once more for the recent friendlies at Wembley.
Although Palmer missed out on playing time against Belgium due to his injury, his absence provided opportunities for Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon to showcase their skills, expanding Southgate’s attacking options. Despite Palmer’s impressive performance in the Premier League this year, leading in both goals scored and assists with eight, Southgate emphasized the fierce competition for spots in the squad’s wide areas.
While players like Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, regulars in England’s lineup, could face the possibility of being left out of the Euros due to the abundance of talent in the team, Southgate remains contemplative about Palmer’s potential contribution. Rashford’s limited playing time against Brazil and Grealish’s absence from the squad due to injury highlight the uncertainties surrounding the final selection.
Southgate’s acknowledgment of Palmer’s continued relevance, coupled with the emergence of new contenders like Bowen and Gordon, underscores the depth of talent available to the England squad. Despite facing stiff competition, Palmer’s form and potential offer a compelling case for inclusion in Southgate’s final squad for Euro 2024. As the tournament approaches, Southgate faces the challenging task of balancing experience with the promise of rising stars, ensuring a formidable lineup capable of competing at the highest level.
