Mikel Obi sends message to England on what to do with Cole Palmer
Nigerian football legend and former Chelsea star John Mikel Obi has called on England’s next manager to ensure Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is a regular starter for the national team.
Despite a standout season at Stamford Bridge, where Palmer earned accolades and made headlines, he was not a starter for England during Euro 2024. The Three Lions, who eventually lost to Spain in the final, faced criticism for not utilizing Palmer more effectively.
Palmer featured in five of England’s seven matches at the tournament but did not start a single game, managing just one goal and one assist. This lack of game time sparked frustration among fans and pundits alike.
Mikel Obi, speaking on his podcast, stressed the need for the new England manager to integrate Palmer into the starting lineup. “I think they need to find a way to fit Cole Palmer in that starting eleven,” Obi said. “Every time he came on during the tournament, he was absolutely fantastic. The next manager’s first job should be to find a way to build the team around him.”
With Gareth Southgate stepping down following England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final, the search for a new manager is underway. Obi believes the incoming boss must make Palmer a central figure in the team.
In addition to his comments on Palmer, Mikel Obi also praised Spain for their performance in Euro 2024. “Spain were definitely the best team,” he said, acknowledging their well-deserved victory and the impressive management of Luis de la Fuente.
