This England team needs a boost if they’re to enjoy the deep run many projected at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions have all but progressed into the knockout stages having amassed an unconvincing four points from their opening two games. Victory over Slovenia on Tuesday would see them top the group and face a third-place opponent in the round of 16.
On paper, things don’t appear too bad for England. However, it doesn’t exactly require a forensic investigation or an assessment of underlying numbers to work out that all is not well in Gareth Southgate’s camp.
The manager is struggling to establish a balance and England have produced two drab performances as a result. Serbia didn’t have enough to punish them on matchday one, but Denmark, courtesy of a Morten Hjulmand piledriver from distance, did.
England have been successful while rarely dazzling at previous tournaments under Southgate, yet any feeling of positive momentum or the Three Lions building towards something in Germany are non-existent. This is more 2010 World Cup than Euro 2020.
Fortunately, Southgate has options at his disposal that he’s yet to turn to capable of igniting England’s campaign. Here are three players who scandalously haven’t played a single minute at Euro 2024.
Only Erling Haaland scored more Premier League goals than Palmer last season. The former Man City starlet carried an up-and-down Chelsea on his back, recording 33 goal contributions in the top flight.
His remarkable form saw him earn a deserved call-up to Southgate’s 26-man squad for the tournament, but the England boss is yet to pivot to the instinctive playmaker.
Palmer is the ultimate ‘makes things happen’ player. While not a controller or a midfielder in the mould of Jude Bellingham, Palmer can grab games by the scruff of the neck. He always wants to be involved.
The Chelsea man doesn’t provide a solution down the left-hand side, nor should he be expected to start ahead of Bellingham as England’s #10 or over Bukayo Saka down the right. However, it’s remarkable that Southgate hasn’t turned to Palmer off the bench.
Whether it’s helping England get up the pitch in transition or offering a source of fearlessness in possession, Palmer has plenty to offer this team. Not to mention his knack for producing in the final third.
Poor Gareth. He…
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