June 25th 2024.
According to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, it may be time for England manager Gareth Southgate to shake things up in the team's attack ahead of their upcoming knockout stage matches. Wright believes that bringing in young talent Cole Palmer could be the key to opening up England's attack and providing a much-needed spark.
Despite securing qualification for the knockout stages as group winners, England struggled to find their rhythm in their final Group C match against Slovenia. Players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka were unable to replicate their club form on the international stage. However, there were promising signs from substitutes Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon, and Palmer, who impressed after coming on.
Wright, along with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, believes that Southgate may be under pressure to start Palmer in England's upcoming match on Sunday. However, with Bellingham, Foden, and Saka also vying for a spot in the starting lineup, it may require some tactical adjustments from Southgate.
One potential solution suggested by Wright is to deploy Saka at left-back, a position he has experience playing at youth level and early on in his Arsenal career. This would not only provide balance in the team but also allow for Palmer to enter the starting lineup. Wright believes that having a natural left-footer like Saka could activate England's attack down the left side.
Palmer, along with Mainoo, is eager to prove himself and make a case for a starting role in Sunday's match. Both players have been training hard and are ready to contribute to the team's success whenever they are called upon. With players like Palmer pushing for a spot in the starting lineup, it may be time for Southgate to make some bold decisions and inject some new energy into England's attack.
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