England manager Gareth Southgate has given an explanation for why, so far at Euro 2024, he has chosen Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka above Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
Saka has started England’s first three Euro 2024 matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, whereas Palmer has only had one substitute appearance.
Saka, 22, has not yet found his name on the Three Lions’ scoresheet despite contributing one assist in his three games.
As a result, many English supporters and commentators have urged Southgate to start Palmer in lieu of Saka in the starting lineup for the remainder of the competition in Germany.
But Southgate has given three explanations for his selection of Saka over Palmer: the Arsenal player is quicker, more experienced, and more direct.
“They are slightly different players, but they both like to come in and roll off the right wing with their left foot,” Southgate remarked.
‘Bukayo is obviously more experienced, faster, and probably more direct.
‘Cole is adapting well to, firstly, the Premier League this season and then life with us as well.
‘So we are very happy with both players. Both have contributed really well and you want your changes to make a difference.
‘In the last couple of games, I think our attacking changes have made a difference to how the team has played.’
Palmer has just enjoyed an incredible debut campaign at Chelsea after the Blues signed him from Manchester City last summer.
He even broke Eden Hazard’s Chelsea record for the most goals and assists in a single Premier League season.
Palmer, 22, finished the 2023-24 campaign with a remarkable 22 goals and 11 assists across 34 Premier League games.