Manchester City star Phil Foden experienced a “nightmare” for England at Euro 2024, participating in seven games but failing to contribute a single goal or assist throughout the tournament.
The 24-year-old’s performance in Germany this summer was disappointing compared to his potential, leaving many frustrated that Gareth Southgate persisted with him despite having a “better option” in Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
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Palmer made a “terrific impact” when he came off the bench in the semi-finals and the final.
See below for some stats illustrating what could’ve been, with Palmer managing a goal and an assist without starting a single game for the Three Lions this summer.
Cole Palmer:
5 games
0 starts
1 goal
1 assist
1 pre assist
1 knockout pen scoredPhil Foden:
7 games
7 starts
0 goals
0 assists
0 pre assists
0 knockout pens scored— 天蝎座 (@UtdEIIis) July 14, 2024
England would have benefited greatly from Foden being at his best, as he was for Man City last season, which might explain why Southgate chose to remain patient and kept playing him.
In the end, though, it just didn’t seem like the right fit for England, and Palmer had a more significant impact in the limited time he was on the pitch.
Perhaps Southgate should have been braver and given him more opportunities instead of favoring the big name.
Chelsea fans will be excited by Palmer, who maintained his superb form from Stamford Bridge last season.
Another campaign like that for the Blues should surely secure his place in the England starting XI for the future.
Palmer is one of many talented young players in this England side, so the future remains bright for the national team, even as they cope with the heartache of losing two European Championship finals in a row – the first country in history to do so.