It’s not often that a player designated “one to watch” is a player who isn’t going to start, but that’s just what’s happened with Cole Palmer in UEFA’s official preview of Sunday’s European Championship final.
The Chelsea star has been picked alongside Spain sensation Lamine Yamal by the governing body’s official website as the two players to look out for in Sunday’s game:
“The attacking midfielder was Chelsea’s best player in 2023/24, providing a consistent supply of goals and creativity,” they wrote.
“His unflappable demeanour and composure on the ball have earned him the nickname ‘Cold Palmer’; seemingly nothing fazes him, as shown when he converted England’s first penalty in the shoot-out win over Switzerland. He may yet take the final by storm, as a starter or off the bench.
Cole remains the secret weapon
So far, Palmer’s tournament has been limited to just appearances off the bench. But that has been an important role to play. England’s play has been so slow and limp in attack in most games that Palmer’s introduction has always brought a burst of energy and creativity to a labouring side.
This was really notable against Slovenia and Slovakia, and against the Netherlands on Wednesday night the Chelsea man slid through the assist for fellow sub Ollie Watkins to score and finish the game. His penalty taking skills were vital against Switzerland, where he took the first spot kick and scored.
So even though we can be 99% sure he’s not starting on Sunday, picking him as the One to Watch does make some sense. There are a number of ways this game can go, but perhaps the most likely course, given the pattern of the tournament as a whole so far, is that the game is still 0-0 or 1-1 in the 70th minutes, when Palmer is given the call to come on and change the game, just as he did against the Netherlands.
65% of ball possession in your own half is nothing to be proud off. Englands players have produced little, and that’s because the opposition were more effective in keeping them at bay. Southgates belief in the team he chose is more of an obsession, rather than good management. Other teams have great players too. Palmer is a star in the making. A unique player. What he did at Chelsea was no fluke, and is only the beginning. Playing Palmer can never be a mistake. There is more to gain then lose. So be the one who allowed him to showcase his ability, and show the world his brilliance, because it will happen with or without you.
Cold Palmer is a natural talent that England has and should make use of the current moment. Playing Him as a CAM can give you unimaginable results against the tiki taka Spain team. I believe England can take their chances by benching Bellingham, let Mainoo play as no. 8, Declan as no. 6, introduce Bellingham in the later stages.