'Clearly': Gareth Southgate explains why he's been choosing Bukayo Saka over Cole Palmer

At Euro 2024 so far, England manager Gareth Southgate has gone with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka instead of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

Bukayo Saka started all three of England’s group stage games, while Cole Palmer was only able to make one appearance from off the bench.

The Three Lions’ next match is against Slovakia in the last 16 later today.

After starting in all of England’s games so far, Saka will be expected to retain his spot in the team.

And Southgate has explained why he has chosen the 22-year-old over Palmer in Germany.

Substitute Cole Palmer of England replaces Bukayo Saka during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between England and Slovenia at Cologne Stadium 

Gareth Southgate on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer

Both Saka and Palmer had good campaigns last term.

The former came up with 25 goal contributions in the Premier League, while the latter recorded 33.

Nevertheless, Southgate has still opted for Saka on the right, feeling that the Arsenal man is more direct and a bit quicker than his England teammate.

Discussing the two in an interview with talkSPORT, the Three Lions boss said: “Slightly different players, but both of them favour their left foot and coming in, rolling off the right wing. Bukayo perhaps is more direct, more speed and more experienced, clearly.

“Cole is adapting well to, firstly, the Premier League this season and then life with us as well. So we are very happy with both players. Both have contributed really well and you want your changes to make a difference.”

Who should start for England against Slovakia, Bukayo Saka or Cole Palmer?

Saka does have more experience than Palmer and may be faster than him.

However, the Arsenal star and the rest of England’s attackers did nothing amazing during the group stage.

In the end, the Three Lions managed to score just two goals, which is disappointing when you look at who they had in their group.

Considering that, Palmer probably should start ahead of Saka this afternoon. You could have made that argument before the tournament started because of the Chelsea man’s numbers.

Southgate, though, looks settled on Saka, so Palmer is going to have to be content with a bench role it seems.