By Shamanth Jayaram, April 20, 2024
Bukayo Saka, the talented Arsenal winger, finds himself in a precarious position as England prepares for Euro 2024. The emergence of Cole Palmer, the Chelsea star, has raised questions about Saka’s starting berth in the national team.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has a reputation for conservatism and loyalty to trusted players. However, current form cannot be ignored, and Palmer’s performances demand attention. The Chelsea winger is level with Erling Haaland in the Premier League Golden Boot race, having scored six more goals than Saka in two fewer appearances. Leaving a Golden Boot winner on the bench would be criminal.
Palmer’s impact extends beyond goals. He also boasts one more assist than Saka. His remarkable haul comes while Chelsea’s overall performance has been lackluster. In contrast, Saka has not been a permanent fixture in recent England matches, starting only one of the last seven games—a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia.
While Saka has greater experience at the highest level, Palmer’s maturity and impressive goal-scoring record make him a serious contender. Age should not be a deciding factor, as both players were in the same school year and youth teams. If Palmer maintains his form in the remaining matches, Southgate may have no choice but to select the Stamford Bridge icon.
As England navigates its Euro 2024 campaign, the battle for the right-wing position intensifies. Saka’s place is no longer guaranteed, and the emergence of Cole Palmer adds intrigue to the national team selection process.
Disclaimer: This article reflects opinions based on reported information and performance data. The final decision rests with Gareth Southgate and the England coaching staff.123
