Euro 2024 Squads: Cole Palmer backed to earn first-team spot ahead of Bukayo Saka

Former Arsenal player Alan Smith felt that The Gunners forward Bukayo Saka needed competition to push him out of his comfort zone. It was Cole Palmer who according to Smith, is the right person as the Chelsea midfielder has been scoring for fun with The Blues. 

Palmer has collected 21 goals from 40 appearances for Chelsea so far. The Manchester City academy graduate has also played for England twice back in November. He has been an exception amid Chelsea’s poor display throughout the season, failing to compete in the top table and lost some cup tournaments.

Euro 2024 Squads: Alan Smith proposing a solution for England

“Cole Palmer has to get into that England squad and if he’s going to play then it needs to be on that right- hand side that’s where he’s done all his good work for Chelsea where he comes in onto his left foot,” Smith told Instant Casino via Football London. 

Smith added that it was good to have two potential players pushing each other to a higher level. Saka missed England’s two latest international matches against Brazil and Belgium and Palmer’s presence could add a dynamic competition within the national team ahead of the Euro 2024. 

“He’s had an outstanding season for an otherwise disappointing Chelsea side,” Smith added. “Palmer is definitely a threat to Bukayo Saka, but I think that’s helpful to someone like Bukayo it pushes him on. I think it’s great to have players being pushed by equally as talented lads.”

Saka and Palmer would likely face each other when Arsenal host Chelsea in the final week of April at the Emirates Stadium. In the reversed fixture at Stamford Bridge, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Palmer was one of the goal scorers while Saka could not find the back of the net during the 90-minute appearance. 

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