Manchester United legend reveals main reason Southgate has been benching Cole Palmer, and why he won’t start against Switzerland

Cole Palmer England bench
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Cole Palmer is yet to start a game for England in Euro 2024.

Despite calls for Gareth Southgate to start the Chelsea star, the England boss has remained aloof.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane is one of those who has called for Palmer to start for England.

However, Roy Keane believes Gareth Southgate purposefully leaves Cole Palmer out of the starting lineup, so he can make an impact in the second-half.

“For the likes of Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon, it’s clear that Gareth Southgate sees them as impact players off the pitch,” the ex-Man United captain said on The Overlap.

“I don’t know the stats for Euro 2024, but because it has been a long season for most of the players in the tournament, most players are having a big impact coming off the bench in the second half of matches, and that includes England with their late equaliser against Slovakia with Ivan Toney being involved.

“I don’t see Gordon or Palmer starting against Switzerland because I think Southgate will be wanting to bring them on late in the game, especially if it’s a tight match.”