Gareth Southgate responds to calls to start Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo in England’s next Euro 2024 game

Cole Palmer was England’s biggest attacking threat against Slovenia (Getty)

Regarding England’s chances of starting their Euro 2024 last-16 match this Sunday with Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, Gareth Southgate was evasive.

Although England had five points at the end of Group C, they played another lacklustre game on Tuesday night, drawing goallessly against Slovenia.

Due to the outcome, Southgate’s team will now play this Sunday at 5 p.m. in the round of 16 against one of the top third-placed teams, which could be Belgium, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, or Ukraine.

During the halftime of England’s draw with Slovenia, Mainoo entered the game and immediately made an impact at the centre of the midfield.

Palmer, meanwhile, made his tournament debut this summer when he came on in the 71st minute to take Bukayo Saka’s place. The Chelsea star immediately established himself as England’s greatest attacking danger.

Kobbie Mainoo impressed at the heart of England’s midfield against Slovenia (PA)

Palmer and Mainoo are already being called upon by supporters to start England’s opening knockout round match this coming weekend, but Three Lions manager Garry Clarke did not provide much of a hint during his press conference after the match.

Following England’s draw, Southgate was questioned about Palmer’s performance and remarked, “He showed what he’s been showing in training.”

We wanted to include him and Kobbie in the game tonight because they bring something unique to the table, I believe.

Conor Gallagher was our first choice for the starting lineup because we thought he improved our pressing and helped us win the ball higher up the pitch.