Cole Palmer says he is ‘ready’ to start for England at Euro 2024 but insists he ‘understands’ his lack of minutes so far in the tournament.
Palmer was an unused substitute in England’s first two group games against Serbia and Denmark before coming on for the final 30 minutes of the goalless draw with Slovenia.
Clamour for Palmer to get more minutes increased throughout England’s underwhelming group campaign and several pundits believe he should start Sunday’s last-16 tie against Slovakia.
The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the Premier League last term, scoring 22 goals and making 11 assists in a sensational first season at Chelsea.
Palmer is aware of the noise around his reduced role at the Euros but ‘understands’ why he is behind the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in Southgate’s pecking order.
‘You can see on social media what fans think,’ the Stamford Bridge star said. ‘There’s loads of different teams people want to play, so it’s normal. It’s nice to see it but it’s not up to them, is it?
‘Personally I think I’m ready but it’s not up to me. I just wait for my time and when I get on I just try to do what I do. I was just excited to get on for 20 minutes and thought I was going to try to do something or make an impact.
‘I wouldn’t say I’m impatient because I know it’s my first tournament and you’ve got players like Saka, Foden and Bellingham in my position so it is understandable. But I was just want to get on and try to impress when I do.’
Despite England’s stuttering start to the Euros, Southgate is reportedly set to make just one change to his side for Sunday’s clash with Slovakia.