Former England internationals and BBC pundits say they would like to see Chelsea star Cole Palmer replace Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka in Gareth Southgate’s Round of 16 starting team against Slovakia at the Euro 2024.
The Three Lions topped Group C while Slovakia The Falcons finished second in Group E and the two teams will do battle on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.
Former England defender Micah Richards, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, said:
“I would start Anthony Gordon. I might even start Cole Palmer as well. I’d give Bukayo Saka a rest on the right-hand side and I’d put Gordon on the left, put Phil Foden inside and maybe play Jude Bellingham a little bit deeper with Declan Rice.”
Also, Danny Murphy would like to see Southgate pick Palmer to start ahead of Saka, but the former Fulham midfielder remain skeptical.
“Gareth Southgate is not going to do this but I would play Cole Palmer on the right. Phil Foden as the 10 and Anthony Gordon on the left with Harry Kane up top.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle United great Alan Shearer, 30 goals for England in 63 caps, makes a case for Magpies winger Anthony Gordon.
“We saw more in three or four minutes when Anthony Gordon came on than we have seen in the three games we have had. No doubt about it that Gareth has to make changes, particularly on either side and one in the middle of the park.”, the all-time Premier League leading goal scorer said.
As for former England forward Ellen White, Manchester United midfield sensation should come in for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher :
“For me it would be Kobbie Mainoo coming in for Conor Gallagher, next to Declan Rice.”
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