Manchester United legend questions Gareth Southgate over the non-inclusion of Chelsea star in the England-Serbia game

Rio Ferdinand feels Gareth Southgate should have introduced Chelsea star Cole Palmer in England 1-0 win vs Serbia

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has questioned Gareth Southgate’s decision to not play Chelsea star Cole Palmer in the England game against Serbia, as the Three Lions edged Serbia 1-0 in their opening Euro 2024 game, courtesy of a goal from Jude Bellingham.

Despite going up in the first half, England appeared to be struggling as Serbia created plenty of chances but were ineffective in front of the goal. However, they managed to scrape a win, but it was less of a convincing win from the Southgate men.

The English midfield looked overly open and susceptible, as Serbian players easily got past their defence. Palmer would have liked to play a few minutes, but this wasn’t his day. Kobbie Mainoo was brought on in the 86th minute and played for a bit but couldn’t have a meaningful influence from the middle of the pitch.

England managed to protect the 1-0 lead they took in first-half until the final whistle, but this was less of a dominating game from a star-studded Three Lions side. And this led to Ferdinand raising the question of why the Three Lions didn’t play Plamer or Mainoo, the former United defender told the BBC via Metro:

‘’The game needed a bit more control. But also someone like Cole Palmer, who has that bit of swagger and arrogance to say, Give me that ball. The way Tadic came on for Serbia, he came on and said, Give me the ball; I will be that outlet for you guys’’.

Palmer’s addition would have brought fresh legs to their attacking line, and the Chelsea forward might have created a few chances to extend England’s lead. Instead of bringing Palmer, Southgate brought Jarrod Bowen in place of Bukayo Saka. However, Saka was the provider for England’s first goal. The Arsenal star was brilliant throughout the game and was a major threat to Serbia’s side.

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Palmer will be patient with his opportunity and the Chelsea star will certainly get his chances, as we have a long way to go and this was England’s first win. It will take Palmer only one game to show why he should be the preferred player for the Three Lions matches, but competing with Saka for the starting spot is certainly going to be tough. However, the Blues star could prove to be an impactful sub if the Southgate decides to choose him over Bowen next time.