Cole Palmer advice sent to Gareth Southgate

Cole Palmer England
Photo: Harriet Lander – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Former Tottenham and England striker Jermaine Defoe has spoken about the lack of flair in the England team.

England qualified top of their group in the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament, but the performances have been far from convincing.

Defoe has advised Gareth Southgate to make some needed changes ahead of England’s round of 16 clash with Slovakia — and Cole Palmer should be one of these changes.

“People have spoken about a lack of movement, that the team is not dynamic enough, but I think there has to be an identity,” Defoe told the PA news agency.

“We are too good of a team, if you look at the players that we have – especially in the forward areas.

“Of course, if you spoke to the players, they know they take responsibility, they know it should be a lot better.

“Yes we have qualified, but it was more of a performance more than anything else everyone was looking for, a reaction from the first few games.

“But it is difficult because when you play against these teams who sit back, you have to move the ball quick and when you do create the chances then you have to take them.

“I think Mainoo will come into the team (for the next game). He is someone who passes forward,” Defoe added.

“I also felt Cole Palmer made a difference. How he has played with the season he had at Chelsea, he is someone that can just create something out of nothing.

“Then there is Gordon with his pace – when he came on, the first thing he did was knock the ball past the defender. Yes the ball ran out of play, but by doing that it just forces teams back a little bit.

“We have got lots of options, but it will just be interesting to see if Gareth will use these kind of players.”

Questions will definitely be asked if Southgate refuses to start Cole Palmer against Slovakia.