“Would it be a poor observation?” - Ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen makes bold claim on Cole Palmer after England reach Euro 2024 semi-finals
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has called for midfielder Cole Palmer to start “every single game” for the Three Lions at Euro 2024. Pietersen’s comments came after Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals of the Germany showpiece with a penalty-shootout win over Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday, July 6.
Palmer started the game from the bench and was called into action as part of a triple substitution from Southgate in the 78th minute. England had fallen behind to Breel Embolo’s opener just three minutes earlier.
The substitutions changed the game, with Bukayo Saka restoring parity in the 80th minute. The Arsenal winger received the ball on the edge of the box from his club teammate Declan Rice. He then cut inside before dispatching a curling effort beyond Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
While Palmer did not contribute a goal for the remainder of the game, he put in an assured performance and coolly converted his penalty in the shootout.
“Would it be a poor observation in thinking that Cole Palmer should start EVERY single game he plays?” Pietersen tweeted.
Palmer is yet to start a game at Euro 2024. He was an unused substitute in England’s first two group games against Serbia and Denmark before making his major tournament bow against Slovenia. He has been called upon from the bench in both knockout games so far (against Slovakia and Switzerland).
Overall, Palmer has clocked 115 minutes over three appearances and is yet to contribute a goal.
“I will try and stay positive” - Cole Palmer on lack of game time at Euro 2024
England midfielder Cole Palmer remains confident despite his lack of game time at Euro 2024. The Chelsea player said that he will “try and stay positive” and will try to make an impact when called upon.
“I’m still full of belief. After the season I’ve had, I don’t see any reason why I should be down. So, I will just try and stay positive and when I get on the pitch, try to make an impact,” the 22-year-old told Chelsea’s official website.
“I just tried to play my game when I went on and I think I did that. I tried to create chances and be positive. There's great players everywhere in the team, so I'm just supporting whoever is on the pitch [when substitute] and when I get my chance I need to try and show what I can do,” he added.
Cole Palmer will be hoping to play a part in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday, July 10.