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The Chelsea 2mos ago
'If he did': Ray Parlour gives verdict on the idea of swapping Bukayo Saka for Cole Palmer in England's XI
Source:The Chelsea

Ray Parlour has been discussing if there's room to fit Chelsea's star player into the England starting XI.

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer, 22, is still waiting to start a match at this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.

He's come off the bench as a right-winger in the previous two matches, but Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate prefers to start with Arsenal's Bukayo Saka on the right flank.

England take on Switzerland on Saturday evening in the quarter-finals of the Euros.

Chelsea supporters will be keen to see if Palmer starts.

Elsewhere, Blues teammate Marc Cucurella has already booked his place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after helping Spain beat hosts Germany 2-1 on Friday after extra-time.

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When discussing the idea of swapping Saka for Palmer on England's right wing, Parlour told talkSPORT (9:07am, 5 July): "I don't think many people can complain about that, if he did.

"I love Saka. He is a brilliant player. He has been fantastic for Arsenal. He is still a young lad, he is still learning, but I don't think people will question Gareth if he did change and put Cole Palmer on that right-hand side.

"He is such a threat. Different sort of player, and he has been brilliant for Chelsea. The goals he scored for Chelsea last year. Very intelligent player."

It sounds like Southgate will rip up his formation tonight by playing two No 10s rather than conventional wingers. Saka could move into a wing-back role, while Palmer it's left on the bench again.

Like in previous England matches at Euro 2024, the starting line-up appears to have been leaked across the national media.

There's now several publications reporting the same team that Southgate will pick against the Swiss.

It's includes a change of system to a back three. Unfortunately, there's no room for Chelsea's Palmer either.

The Sun is one of many to report the leaked England team.

England's predicted line-up against Switzerland (3-4-2-1)

Walker Stones Konsa

Trippier Rice Mainoo Saka

Bellingham Foden