Rio Ferdinand, a former England captain, has expressed his concerns to Gareth Southgate about the omission of Cole Palmer from the team’s recent match against Serbia.
Ferdinand believes that Palmer’s presence could have brought a much-needed “swagger and arrogance” to the team, which was lacking during their narrow 1-0 win.
Ferdinand’s comments came after England struggled to maintain control and composure, particularly in the second half, allowing Serbia to dominate possession.
He suggested that players like Palmer, who has the confidence to demand the ball and create opportunities, were sorely missed.
Ferdinand drew comparisons with Tadic, who made a significant impact when he came on for Serbia, taking charge and providing an outlet for his teammates.
Ferdinand’s remarks highlight the need for England to develop a stronger sense of control and composure on the field.
He believes that players like Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, who possess the ability to dictate the pace of the game, are essential to achieving this.
By including such players in the team, England can improve their overall performance and build confidence as they progress through the tournament.
Gareth Southgate, however, remains optimistic about his team’s chances, despite the challenges they faced against Serbia.
He views the match as a valuable learning experience that will ultimately benefit England in the long run.
Southgate’s team will face Denmark next, and he hopes that they will be able to apply the lessons learned from their previous match to secure a better result.
