Gareth Southgate Explains Why He Has Been Playing Bukayo Saka Ahead of Cole Palmer

• Chelsea midfielder, Cole Palmer, has been afforded just 20 minutes of England’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany so far
• The Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, has appeared to prefer Bukayo Saka ahead of the former Man City superstar
• England, who finished top of their group, are scheduled to face Slovakia in the Round of 16 of the continental showpiece

England boss Gareth Southgate has finally explained why he has been playing Bukayo Saka ahead of Cole Palmer in the Euro 2024 tournament.

The two youngsters are part of the Three Lions squad challenging for the continental showpiece in Germany.

Palmer earned a call-up to the senior team after an impressive debut season with Chelsea, during which he helped the club secure a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

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According to Stat Muse, the former Manchester City ace scored 22 goals and bagged 11 assists in 33 Premier League games last season.

However, despite his otherwise incredible form, the 22-year-old has only played 20 minutes of Euro 2024. His only appearance so far came in England’s final group-stage clash against Slovenia, which ended in a goalless draw.

Southgate explains why he overlooks Palmer

Southgate has appeared to prefer the partnership of Saka, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane in his attack, with Palmer left warming the bench.

The England manager has now come out to explain why he has overlooked Palmer.

Speaking ahead of his side’s last 16 clash against Slovakia, the tactician said via talkSPORT:

“Slightly different players, but both of them favour their left foot and coming in, rolling off the right wing.”

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“Bukayo perhaps is more direct, more speed and more experienced, clearly. Cole is adapting well to, firstly, the Premier League this season and then life with us as well,” he added.

It remains to be seen if the 53-year-old could tweak his team against Slovakia to accommodate Palmer.

The knockout clash is scheduled for Sunday, June 30.

Southgate blasted for benching Palmer

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that a section of fans has lambasted Southgate for ignoring Palmer again during the Three Lions’ Group C draw against Denmark on Thursday, June 20.

The English team began their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia on June 16, with Jude Bellingham scoring the crucial goal.