'Palmer has to start' - pundit reaction to cameo role

England manager Gareth Southgate felt Cole Palmer showed "calm" and "composure" against Slovenia as calls grown for him to start in the next match.

The Chelsea midfielder was handed his first major tournament minutes for the Three Lions when he came off the bench in the final group game.

Palmer scored the most Premier League goals of any England player last season and made an impact with his direct play and had the side's best opportunity of the second half late on.

"He [Palmer] did look sharp. That is what we have seen in the last few days in training," Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"We have got good players in the squad and I don't think we should hesitate to use them. He showed real composure, he has a real calm manner about him and I think that showed in the way he and Kobbie [Mainoo] came into the game as two very young players."

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart agreed, saying: "It was exciting to see the guys come on. Anthony Gordon didn't get much time, but Cole Palmer looked really cool – what a lovely player.

"He really makes things happen without looking like he's making any effort - he is exceptional to watch."

The 22-year-old, who came on for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, had a 100% pass accuracy during his time on the pitch.

Ex-England striker Chris Sutton said: "One thing we have learned from this match is Cole Palmer has to start."

Former Everton defender Izzy Christensen was more cautious however, adding: "The cry will be Palmer has to start. But I think the thinking is much deeper than when he has had an impact for 20 minutes.

"The thinking is - what does the next opponent look like? Who have we got? How do they play? And that is Gareth Southgate's and his technical coaching staff's job to pick the right XI with the best tools to unlock that team."

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