Southgate encouraged by Palmer’s impressive England cameo

Gareth Southgate was encouraged by Cole Palmer’s performance after the youngster was brought on for England during the goalless draw with Slovenia.

The result meant Southgate’s side reached the knockout phase of Euro 2024 as group winners, but they were unimpressive again.

Palmer, though, posed a threat after coming on and England boss Southgate, under pressure following the recent poor performances, will inevitably face calls to start with the Chelsea youngster.

Palmer was introduced in the second half, while his Chelsea team-mate Conor Gallagher was replaced at half-time by Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Asked about Palmer, Southgate said: “He showed what he’s been showing in training.

“Him and Kobbie, we had it in our mind to get them into the game. They offer something different.

“I think that the changes we made had a positive effect on the game.”

The decision to give Gallagher a starting place raised some eyebrows given England’s other options.

Southgate explained: “We wanted to start with Conor because we wanted to press better and we felt we haven’t been winning the ball high enough up the pitch.

“Part of the game we weren’t able to get was his forward runs where he can exploit opposition defences, so he was ending up receiving the ball a bit deeper.”