England will hope to silence their critics and end their Euro 2024 group stages on a high on Tuesday evening when Gareth Southgate’s side face Slovenia.
The Three Lions have made a slow and unconvincing start to their campaign in Germany with an underwhelming win over Serbia followed by an even duller draw against Denmark.
Pressure and expectation is now weighing heavy on Gareth Southgate’s side for their final group stage clash against Slovenia with England fans eagerly anticipating a performance that matches the immense talent of the squad.
While England will not head into Tuesday’s clash with fear of elimination, a win against Slovenia would guarantee top spot in the group and a more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Changes will be expected ahead of the clash in Cologne with Trent Alexander Arnold’s spot in midfield being questioned in particular.
Southgate was bold in his substitutions against Denmark with attacking trio Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka all being hooked in the second half.
However, one player yet to make his mark on the Euros is Chelsea’s Cole Palmer despite his scintillating debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton has had his say on England’s lineup, insisting that Palmer can no longer sit on the bench for England.
Cole Palmer yet to feature for England in Euro 2024
Sutton was critical of the current England setup and urged Southgate to be “ruthless” ahead of the final group game against Slovenia.
“He’s [Southgate] got to be ruthless now, hasn’t he because things haven’t been working,” Sutton told Metro.co.uk.
“I’ve got to say one thing which I have found quite baffling is the omission of Cole Palmer.
“Given the season he had at Chelsea, it’s quite baffling for him not to have been given any game time in the opening two games.
“I would play Rice alongside Jude Bellingham because he can be a six or an eight or a 10 and I would find a way to get Cole Palmer into the team. If we’re searching for that bit more creativity then he’s the perfect player to provide it.”
Cole Palmer must be one of many England changes
After scoring 22 goals and assisting 11 for Chelsea in the Premier League last season, Palmer must be as confused as the fans as to why he is stuck on the bench.
If it wasn’t already evident after the Serbia match that the system wasn’t working, the dismal display against Denmark confirmed it.
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Southgate’s experiment with Foden on the left has clearly fallen flat and the three creative players behind Kane have failed to impress.
Bold decisions are needed on Tuesday night, and Palmer will be one of many England substitutes who will have their sights set on a starting spot.
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