"It's never coming home", "Definitely losing" - England fans unhappy as 22-year-old star benched for Euro 2024 clash against Serbia
A section of England fans weren't impressed with the starting XI against Serbia in Euro 2024, as it didn't include Cole Palmer. The match is set to take place at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on Sunday, June 16.
Fans flooded social media with posts expressing their disapproval of the starting line-up. They criticized head coach Gareth Southgate's decision to bench the 22-year-old attacking midfielder in their first clash in Euro 2024. While some fans questioned the setup, some were hopeless about the Three Lions' chances of winning.
Here is a collection of their posts on X:
One fan wrote:
"Trent in midfield, Palmer on the bench... It's never coming home"
Another added:
"No Cole Palmer England definitely losing 😭"
"Where’s Palmer ? You’ll lose terribly," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Palmer deserved to start. England won't win the Euros because of this"
Another said:
"Where is Palmer????? Did he just perform THAT well the entire season to not start? What does Saka have over Palmer? I don’t understand. Most G/A in the prem. Consistently carrying Chelsea. 🤷🏻♂️"
"Palmer should be the first player in the starting lineup," said another.
One user wrote:
"Not starting Palmer might make u guys lose, u don’t bench a world class"
While another wrote:
"Southgate is an absolute clown."
Palmer had an excellent debut 2023-24 season with Chelsea, registering 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 games across competitions.
The Three Lions were the runners-up in the UEFA European Championship in 2020, losing against Italy on penalties. They ended up in third place twice in 1968 and 1996, but are yet to claim the title.
England national team captain to break records in their opening clash in Euro 2024
England national team captain Harry Kane will be breaking three records with his appearance against Serbia in Euro 2024. He will have the most appearances for the Three Lions at the championship. Kane and Gary Neville both had made 11 appearances in the past and the 30-year-old striker will surpass that with Sunday's clash.
The Bayern Munich star will make his 23rd appearance for the Three Lions at a major tournament. He is currently tied at 22 with Ashley Cole and Raheem Sterling.
Lastly, Harry Kane will become the only player to captain the nation in four major tournaments. He will go past Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Bobby Moore, Bryan Robson, and Billy Wright.