Chelsea and Newcastle United fans will be rightfully annoyed with England manager Gareth Southgate.
Euro 2024 hasn’t gone to plan for the Three Lions and two players, in particular, have been a big talking point.
After a stunning debut season in Chelsea colours, Cole Palmer sat on the bench for two games, whilst Newcastle speedster Anthony Gordon did exactly the same, even though he is a natural left-sided player.
On Tuesday, fans got their wish when the duo came off the bench during England’s goalless draw against Slovenia.
England had already qualified, this was just a case of who they were going to face in the last 16, with the two Chelsea and Newcastle boys impressing.
Palmer came on with around 20 minutes left and John Stones was pretty honest to say that he is probably ‘frustrated’ that he didn’t take his chance at the end to win the game, as he told ITV Sport.
The Manchester City defender added by saying that the two made a ‘great impact’ and how it’s ‘not easy’ sitting on the sidelines and not playing.
In total, that’s 33 Premier League goals not being used by Southgate and many now want the duo to start in the knockout rounds.
Stones’ words after the match are a prime example of why Palmer and Gordon are being underused in what has been a pretty drab start to Euro 2024 for the nation.
England 0-0 Slovenia at Euro 2024
“They made a great impact, credit to them,” said Stones. “It’s not easy coming away and not getting as much game time as they want. Coming on and having the attitude that they have every day in training. It’s a great spirit around us.
“To come in, especially Cole (Palmer) created some great chances for us. He had one at the end. I am sure he will be frustrated with that and that he didn’t do better.”
Should Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon start for England?
Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden has had to fly back home for the birth of his third child, so that opens the door for Gordon to start the knockout game.
Then you have someone like Bukayo Saka out on the right. He hasn’t made the start he would have wanted, despite assisting Jude Bellingham for that opening goal against Serbia.
You could now make a case for Saka to be dropped to the bench and Palmer to start on the right-hand side.
And then provide Saka with the chance to showcase what he is all about by expressing his attacking energy from the bench.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
