'Appealed to us': Gareth Southgate drops hint over what position he'll use Cole Palmer in for England
England manager Gareth Southgate may have just dropped a hint over the position he could use Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Gareth Southgate has introduced some fresh blood into his Three Lions squad during November’s international break, where they face Malta and North Macedonia in European Championship qualifying matches.
Cole Palmer, initially named in England’s Under-21s squad, has received his first ever call-up to the senior team. He was joined by Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis, too.
Palmer admitted he thought his call-up was a joke when he first heard it, as quoted by England’s X account.
However, the 21-year-old attacker has been rewarded for a really impressive first few months as a Chelsea player.
Best position
If Palmer does get his senior England debut in the next week, it’ll be interesting to see where the versatile forward slots into the line-up.
The left-footed playmaker is enjoying success right now at Stamford Bridge as a right-winger, but he’s got a tendency to drift infield regardless of the starting position. Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino has also used him as a central attacking midfielder in a No 10 role, too.
Southgate certainly seems to hint that Palmer’s likely England opportunity would be as a No 10 behind a central striker. There may be a window open with current injury absentees.
Southgate said via England’s X account: “Cole Palmer has obviously been playing very, very well with Chelsea, his adaptability, having lost both Jude [Bellingham] and James Maddison from that sort of 10 role. Of course, we know Cole can play wide, but that ability to play in different positions and particularly more central was something that appealed to us, and it’s a good to see him and Rico [Lewis] work with us for the first time.
“We’re two camp away from a Euros. Maybe those boys can force their way in. Maybe it’ll be a bit early for them. We don’t know yet. But I think with all young players, the chance to come and work with us, for us to get to know them better, for them to feel more comfortable with us. And then, over the next few months, it’s up to them to try to stay in our squad. Exciting for both of them, I hope. And we’re looking forward to seeing them.”
Cole Palmer needs freedom
We think you’ll get the best from Palmer when he’s allowed to play off the cuff and let his instincts take charge.
Speaking via beIN SPORTS at the weekend, Pochettino hailed the character and talent of Palmer as “amazing”.
Chelsea’s manager has been able to get the best out of Palmer from day one. Can Southgate do the same?
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