Yahoo Sports Ex-England forward backs substitutes to make the difference at Euro 2024
Emile Heskey has backed England’s options off the bench to make the difference for the Three Lions at Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s side have struggled through the tournament so far ahead of facing Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.
A 95th-minute equaliser from Jude Bellingham rescued England against Slovakia in the previous round, before Harry Kane combined with substitute Ivan Toney to find an extra-time winner.
Heskey believes the quality of England’s options off the bench can be decisive and named Toney, Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer as players who could make a difference in the latter stages.
“I think the subs can be the difference makers. Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, the attacking players can be the ones who make the difference,” Heskey exclusively told The Football Faithful at at event hosted by 888sport.
“With Harry Kane starting, Toney and Watkins offer something different and in a tight game, these two and Palmer will give England’s opponents something different to worry about. So let’s hope they can make the difference.”
Heskey was asked whether this should be Gareth Southgate’s final tournament as England manager after criticism of his approach. He said the focus should solely be on Euro 2024 and warned against ‘looking too far ahead’.
“Let’s focus on this tournament before looking too far ahead. You can’t argue with the tournament results that Gareth has had. A semi-final and a final. England
have been very close to success and hopefully it won’t be too long before they can lift a major trophy.”
Read – Former England forward says Three Lions have ‘massive chance’ at Euro 2024
See more – Euro 2024: Five players who impressed in the Round of 16
