Woeful England – is it finally time to play Cole Palmer?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The Three Lions arrived Germany as one of the favourites for the 2024 Euros. 58 years since winning the world cup on home soil, another silverware has evaded the nation.

This tourney, England have fallen way short of standards with much criticism coming from pundits, ex-players and fans at large.

Having to sit back in large spells against Denmark and not particularly impressive in their opening game.

To challenge for glory, Gareth Southgate has to tinker and address the issues plaguing his squad currently.

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The midfield dilemma

In response to the abysmal performance against Denmark, Gareth Southgate claimed a recurring headache was the fact the side have no natural replacement for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.

The frequent partner to Declan Rice at the base of midfield.

As a consequence, he’s gone bold and fielded Trent Alexander-Arnold straight up in midfield at the expense of the likes of Conor Gallagher, as well as youth sensations Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton. 

Way forward

A more seasoned approach will be deploying Gallagher in midfield for his workrate and allowing Trent invert from the full back spot – a role he’s more accustomed too.

In Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo are unorthodox styled midfielders accustomed to the English NT owing to their playing style.

The former has impressive passing range which would compliment Declan Rice’s carrying capabilities.

The latter on the side also showcases a very calm personality on the ball and can link play effectively to the final third.

Reinforcements on the bench

Cole Palmer amassed the most goal contributions in the previous campaign in the English premier league. For the Three Lions first two games, Palmer was on the bench.Woeful England – is it fnally time to play cole palmer?

Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze got eventual minutes in the hustle for a lead against Denmark but just how much of an impression was it really? 

Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon is the only like replacement for the dropped Marcus Rashford in the squad and is still yet to accumulate any minute.

Jude Bellingham’s impressive season with Real Madrid in the offensive third affords him the CAM spot preferred by Phil Foden and Cole Palmer as play connectors.

Way forward

Although Jude Bellingham featured in a more attacking role, he’s more than comfortable sitting at the base of midfield with Declan Rice.

As such, Phil Foden or Cole Palmer can get the ‘10’ spot and field a more direct profile on the left wing.

Preferably Anthony Gordon to get at the end of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka or Alexander-Arnold’s line breaking passes.

Jarrod Bowen also presents an option if fielded in a more similar role to Pedro Neto for Portugal against Turkiye.

Luke Shaw’s return to full training can also take starting duties off Kieran Trippier who’s playing on his weaker foot and can’t provide the necessary width on the touchline.

Lineup tweak:

Pickford; Shaw, Stones, Guehi, Alexander-Arnold; Rice,Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane.

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