England legend Michael Owen believes that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka should be dropped from the starting XI for the Euros to make way for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Owen thinks that Palmer’s form and quality cannot be ignored and that he should be given a chance to shine in the tournament. He suggests starting Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford as left-siders for their pace, with Palmer playing on the right. Owen sees Palmer as a must in his team, alongside other key players like Phil Foden and Declan Rice, in order to have a successful campaign.
However, Owen acknowledges that Gareth Southgate may not be bold enough to axe Saka from the starting lineup. He advocates for a more dynamic midfield setup, with Palmer, Foden, and Rice playing pivotal roles. He suggests using different players based on form, while still ensuring a place for Saka in the team. Owen believes that fitting all the key players into the lineup would be a challenge, but he emphasizes the importance of having a fluid and versatile team to achieve success. He envisions a lineup with a balance of pace, creativity, and goal-scoring capabilities.
Palmer, who only recently made his international debut, has impressed with his performances for Chelsea this season. Despite being part of a struggling team, Palmer has stood out with his quality and impact. Owen praises his skills and believes that he has earned his place in the England squad. Palmer’s versatility and goal-scoring abilities make him a valuable asset to the team, and Owen sees him as a key player on the right side of the field. Owen’s strategic approach involves rotating players based on performance and keeping the team dynamic and adaptable.
Owen’s recommendations for the England team reflect his desire to see them go one step further than their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. He emphasizes the need for a strong midfield setup that includes players like Palmer, Foden, and Rice to provide the team with creativity and attacking threat. While acknowledging the challenge of fitting all key players into the lineup, Owen believes in making bold decisions to ensure success in the tournament. His analysis highlights the importance of balance, adaptability, and strategic planning in shaping a winning team for the Euros.
Despite the potential controversy of dropping a key player like Saka, Owen’s focus is on building a team that can compete at the highest level. He argues for a more dynamic and fluid playing style, with an emphasis on pace and creativity in the midfield. Owen’s strategic approach to team selection and tactics aims to maximize the team’s potential and increase their chances of success in the Euros. By advocating for bold decisions and a balanced lineup, Owen’s insights provide valuable perspective on how England can approach the upcoming tournament.
