Michael Owen Champions Cole Palmer for England’s Starting Line-Up Over Saka

Michael Owen thinks England should swap Bukayo Saka for Cole Palmer. Owen, a former footballer, believes Palmer, who plays for Chelsea, is doing really well this season. He came from Manchester City last summer and has been great in his first season in the Premier League.

This might cause a problem for Gareth Southgate, the England manager, when picking players for Euro 2024. There are other talented players like Phil Foden from Manchester City, Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid, and Harry Kane from Bayern Munich.

Owen thinks Saka might lose his spot in the team. He thinks Southgate might choose Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United instead of Saka or Palmer.

“I think Cole Palmer should play instead of Bukayo Saka,” Owen said. “Palmer has been really good lately, so he deserves a chance.”

Owen thinks Palmer should play on the right side of the team, with Foden in the middle. He also thinks Rice should play as the main defender in front of the goal.

But Owen knows Southgate might not agree with him. Southgate might choose to play with two defenders instead of one. In that case, he might pick Mainoo with Declan Rice.

“It’s hard to fit all the good players into the team,” Owen said. “But in my team, I’d choose Palmer and Foden. Saka might not play, which is tough, but he could still help the team.”

Owen thinks if the final was happening soon, he’d pick Palmer to play. But it’s up to Southgate to decide who will play for England in Euro 2024.