Stan Collymore has insisted that England are misusing Cole Palmer, arguing that the Chelsea playmaker’s true threat lies in attacking the box from wide angles.
Thomas Tuchel is in no doubt that Cole Palmer’s best position is in the number 10 role, and we happen to agree, but his performance against Japan was concerning.
Giving the ball away for the only goal was bad enough, but Palmer just looked sloppy with the ball and struggled to link up with his fellow England teammates.
It’s been a similar story at Chelsea for different reasons, failing to contribute in recent games, but much of that can be put down to Liam Rosenior using him out wide, which stifles him at times.
However, Stan Collymore believes that is the solution for Palmer in an England shirt.
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Stan Collymore wants to see Cole Palmer out wide
Collymore is never afraid to give his opinions on his X account after international and Premier League games, and this time Palmer’s performance caught the eye.
After seeing him struggle, he came up with a solution to fix his issues with England.
“Genuinely think Palmer could do more damage coming from a wide position, attacking the 18-yard box from angles, one twos and scoring/creating.
“He just shouldn’t be picking the ball up midway through his own half from a central defender, doesn’t do him or his ability justice. That’s why we have perfectly capable central defensive midfielders.”
It’s an argument that potentially could work for England, especially with Morgan Rogers seemingly a shoo-in for the number 10 position. However, Palmer isn’t a natural winger, he likes to cut in and drive into the middle of the park, which could make things too central.
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Cole Palmer’s stats for England throughout his career
Interestingly, Palmer’s only two international goals have come from a central position, with zero contributions in the five games he’s played out wide.
Whether we like it or not, Bukayo Saka will be a guaranteed starter on the right-hand side, so Palmer’s only way into the side will be centrally.
It’s just up to him now to prove himself at Chelsea from here on in until the end of the season.
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