Lavish praise from Roy Keane left Cole Palmer beaming following England‘s latest dismal display at the Euros.
The Chelsea star’s dynamic performance off the bench was one of the few positives as England were held to a dour goalless draw against Slovenia in their final Group C match. After three largely dire performances, clamour is growing for Gareth Southgate to make big chances for the last-16 showdown against Slovakia on Sunday.
Palmer is among the players who could come into the side. Hard taskmaster Keane is one of the pundits demanding that the former Manchester City ace is given more time on the pitch.
READ MORE: England fan who fell asleep during Slovenia snoozefest dreamed Three Lions win Euro 2024
READ MORE: Paul Merson trolls Harry Kane with knowing dig during England’s draw with Slovenia
Learn more
Keane has hailed Palmer’s “X-factor” while dubbing him “an amazing player”. He added that Southgate will be “under huge pressure” to start the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year.
Boyhood Manchester United fan Palmer broke into a smile when told of Keane’s comments after the game and admitted: “It’s always nice to hear, especially from someone like Roy Keane who played internationally and at Manchester United.”
Should Palmer come into the team against Slovakia? Tell us in the comments section below
(Image: ITV)
On the chances of him starting against Slovakia, the 22-year-old added: “It’s up to the manager now what he wants to do. I’m full of belief. After the season I’ve had, I don’t see why I should be down. I’ll just try and take every chance and make an impact.”
Southgate had made one change for the Slovenia game, curtailing his Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield experiment and deploying Conor Gallagher from the start. The Three Lions boss was impressed with the impact of Palmer and fellow sub Kobbie Mainoo, who came on for Gallagher at half-time.
“He [Palmer] showed what he’s been showing in training,” said Southgate. “With him and Kobbie, we had in our minds to get them into the game. They offer something different.”