Micah Richards explains why Gareth Southgate picks Bukayo Saka over Cole Palmer for England

Cole Palmer has had to make do with cameos off the England bench at the Euros as Bukayo Saka retains the faith and backing of Gareth Southgate when it comes to selection

Bukayo Saka has started every England game at the Euros (
Image: Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka’s “balance” is helping him keep his England place, according to Micah Richards, who understands why the Arsenal man continues to get picked ahead of Cole Palmer.

Saka bailed the Three Lions out in their last-eight clash with Switzerland, scoring the equaliser ten minutes from the end as he remained a constant threat. Gareth Southgate opted to use Saka as a wing-back, a position he’s played previously, in a much-changed starting XI.

England’s attack has struggled to fire at the Euros and one of their most potent attacking weapons in Palmer has only been used sporadically. The Chelsea man is yet to get a go from the start despite a huge clamour to see him involved more often.

Nevertheless, with Saka able to operate in a variety of systems and show positional flexibility, Richards sees why Southgate continues to give the Arsenal man the nod despite the calibre of player sitting on the bench.

He told The Rest is Football: “I was a little bit worried when he was playing at wingback. I thought England would go into that sort of negative mindset where they would drop a little bit deeper but they were brave.

“And Saka when he was going inside, when he was going outside, he took his goal so well. We’ve seen it so much for Arsenal this season. I think in terms of goalscoring after Kane, I think Saka’s the most important. He does make an impact and it’s not just what he does on the ball, it’s his strength as well and his defensive ability.

“I think that’s why Southgate trusts him so much. We talked about Cole Palmer, and a lot of people on social media and a lot of fans are calling for Palmer to start but when you’ve got Saka and he’s so consistent and he can give you balance.”

Cole Palmer has had to be patient as he remains an impact sub

Saka stepped up to score from the spot during England’s shootout victory – banishing the demons of the Euros three years ago. The Arsenal man missed the decisive penalty in the final as the Three Lions were beaten by Italy at Wembley.

Palmer meanwhile, after a season that saw him produce more goal contributions than anyone in the Premier League, is having to remain patient, but did also step up and score his penalty emphatically against the Swiss. There has been a criticism of Southgate that he takes too long to utilise his bench as England continue to underwhelm despite making the semi-finals in Germany.