Gareth Southgate details 3 key reasons for 22-year-old star's inclusion in England XI ahead of Cole Palmer at Euro 2024
England manager Gareth Southgate has explained why he is favoring Arsenal star Bukayo Saka over Chelsea ace Cole Palmer in his starting XI at the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024.
Saka, 22, has started all three of his national team's matches at the Euro 2024 and is yet to score a goal so far. Palmer, on the other hand, impressed in his 19-minute cameo in a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
As a result, a number of fans and pundits have recently called for Southgate to axe Saka from his England XI in the next contest. However, The Three Lions boss has given three reasons for the Gunners star's inclusion in his lineup ahead of Palmer, saying (h/t Metro):
"Slightly different players, but both of them favor their left foot and coming in, rolling off the right wing. Bukayo perhaps is more direct, has more speed, and is more experienced, clearly. Cole is adapting well to, firstly, the Premier League this season and then life with us as well."
Southgate, who has been England's manager since 2016, concluded:
"So, we are very happy with both players. Both have contributed really well and you want your changes to make a difference. In the last couple of games, I think our attacking changes have made a difference to how the team has played."
Palmer, 22, relished a breakout season after joining Chelsea from Manchester City in a potential £45 million transfer past summer. He registered a whopping 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 matches for his club.
England told to make changes in upcoming Euro 2024 last-16 contest against Slovakia
Speaking recently to betting website Betfair, England legend Alan Shearer claimed that Gareth Southgate should change his starting lineup in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash. He said (h/t Mirror):
"When things aren't working, then it is time to make the changes. Gareth said it himself, it's time to press the reset button. Those are his words, and when you say the reset, then that means something is fundamentally wrong and not working. Those words he used are telling us that. With the impact the subs made the other day, he is going to have to make changes, there is no doubt about that."
England will face Slovakia in their next Euro 2024 clash this Sunday.
In terms of head-to-head record, The Three Lions have registered five wins and a draw in their six games against Francesco Calzona's side.