Roy Keane has praised Chelsea star Cole Palmer after his spirited performance in England’s stalemate against Slovenia.
The Manchester United legend suggested Palmer should start regularly for the Three Lions heading into the knockout stage at Euro 2024 after the Blues attacker brought life into England’s otherwise boring display against Slovenia in their final group game on Tuesday.
Palmer was introduced by Gareth Southgate in the 71st minute of the match in what was his first appearance for the Three Lions in a major tournament.
The attacking midfielder had 100 per cent passing accuracy at the end of the match and created the best chance for his team when he forced Jan Oblak to make a low save in stoppage time.
Unpredictable Palmer
Speaking on ITV after the match, Keane said: “I think [Kobbie] Mainoo looked very comfortable out there.
“The one I’m always excited to watch is [Cole] Palmer, he always has that x-factor.
“I know we were wondering why he didn’t come on in that first or second game, but every time he gets the ball it looks like something is going to happen.
“There was certainly a bit more flow to their game the last 15 or 20 minutes.
“There was still no end product and they didn’t really test the keeper, but there were one or two positives with the clean sheet.
“They need to show more quality in the attacking areas, but I do love Palmer, I think he’s amazing.”
Keane added: “Would you want to mark Palmer?
“You wouldn’t want to play against him.
“He’s so unpredictable, he can beat a man, go left or right.
“A lot of brilliant players affect the game, when he came on, you knew he was going to affect the game.
“Every time he got it, we were looking at him.
“I’m hard to impress and I’m thinking ‘something is going to happen’.
“Every time he gets the ball you think something is going to happen.
“He will think he should be in that starting XI.
“He won’t think ‘I’m learning and I’m glad to be here’.
“Also, he will be looking at Gareth [Southgate], like the big personalities do, thinking ‘Get me out there’.”
Read more: Bellingham Slammed For Disgusting Performance Vs Slovenia
Southgate’s men could end up facing the Netherlands in their round of 16 clash on Sunday, though their opponents have yet to be confirmed.
The 53-year-old might consider making some changes in his lineup to shake things up in the team ahead of the crucial knockout clash.
