Former Blue Chris Sutton Calls for Cole Palmer to Start for England at Euro 2024

Chris Sutton, a former Chelsea player, strongly believes that Gareth Southgate should include Cole Palmer in the England squad for Euro 2024, praising him as “absolutely fearless.”

Palmer, who transferred from Manchester City, had an outstanding season, scoring 22 Premier League goals and providing 11 assists, earning him the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.

Having never been called up to the England squad before last season, Palmer’s impressive performance has sparked discussions about his potential as a starter for Euro 2024.

Sutton urges Southgate to start Palmer

Palmer made his England debut against Malta last November and was also called up for friendlies against Belgium and Brazil in March, though he didn’t play due to an injury.

He was named in the provisional 33-man squad and started in both of England’s warm-up matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland.

He scored his first international goal against Bosnia from the penalty spot. Despite a disappointing game against Iceland, Palmer’s performance was commendable.

After winning the Euros with the under-21 side last summer, Palmer aims to replicate this success with the senior team in Germany, having been included in Southgate’s final 26-man squad.

Palmer’s versatility allows him to make a significant impact, whether starting or coming off the bench. Sutton emphasizes the need for Southgate to incorporate Palmer into the starting lineup, citing his fearless nature.

“The first team that Southgate selects against Serbia will be interesting because he has to find a way of getting Palmer into the starting lineup,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He is absolutely fearless and with his form from last season, he has to crowbar him in there.

“I would play him as a number 10, with Phil Foden off the left and Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side. Jude Bellingham is adaptable so he should play him as a six or eight alongside Declan Rice.”

As England kicks off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday, followed by matches against Denmark and Slovenia, it will be interesting to see how Southgate utilizes Palmer throughout the tournament.