England had a Chelsea man to thank for getting their penalty shootout victory against Switzerland off to the best possible start over the weekend.

Cole Palmer stepped up first and made no mistake from 12 yards, putting his country on their way to what was a perfect set of spot kicks.

The 22-year-old made it his thing last season to be ice cool from the spot, with him yet to miss a penalty in his senior career.

Despite the fact he is yet to start a game for his country so far this tournament, the impact Palmer is having off the bench has left many wondering if now is the time for him to do so.

Wright praises Palmer

He said: “Cole Palmer coming into this team and then coming into that penalty shootout to take the first penalty, the responsibility is enormous. So, everything he has done last season, everything he has done led to that moment. Cole, you are taking this, you have to score, we need you to score. And he has done it with aplomb.”

Palmer has waited patiently for a real opportunity to show what he can do at this tournament, although arguing that he shouldn’t be starting games is getting more difficult to do.

The poor performances of Phil Foden have been holding England back at times this summer, and there is no doubt the position the Manchester City man picked up in the squad at the weekend would get the best out of Palmer too.

Gareth Southgate certianly has a decision to make when the semi-final against the Netherlands comes around on Wednesday.

Related Topics