Cole Palmer reveals stance on Gareth Southgate after missing out on England start in Spain defeat
Cole Palmer has praised Gareth Southgate after England's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024
REUTERS
Cole Palmer has praised Gareth Southgate and said he's been 'amazing' for the England squad following Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Spain.
The Three Lions had gone into the Euro 2024 final on the back of a brilliant win over the Netherlands. However, they were unable to replicate the same display against Luis de la Fuente's side, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal consigning them to defeat.
Palmer came off the bench for England and scored a stunning equaliser to give Southgate hope.
However, it wasn't enough with Spain deserving of their victory on the night.
Cole Palmer has praised Gareth Southgate after England's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024
REUTERS
Palmer didn't start a single game for England, despite the team scoring three times when he was introduced over the course of the tournament.
However, he's praised Southgate nonetheless and said the 53-year-old has been 'amazing' for the group.
"Spain have been brilliant all tournament, everyone has seen what they can do so congratulations from them," said the winger.
"We hoped to but we didn't do that. I'm gutted.
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"We got to another final, there's positives to take but everyone wanted to go one step further and we didn't.
"Gareth's been amazing for the group. We've got to back-to-back finals so it's been good."
The future remains bright for England and Palmer, providing he can carry on his outstanding form for club and country.
It isn't just fans of the Three Lions and Blues who are huge fans of the forward, with Spain midfielder Rodri predicting big things lie in store.
"I know these guys, Cole Palmer is a top player," said the midfielder, who played alongside Palmer at Manchester City.
"He's going to be a huge star in the next years.
"Imagine what we have next. We are so happy. We made history but it doesn't stop here.
"We have talent and we'll keep going. It's important to celebrate what we have done."
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Cole Palmer scored a stunning equaliser for England in their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain
PA
Southgate, meanwhile, said he felt substitutions Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney 'did what we asked them to do'.
The England boss, who could leave his post as manager in the aftermath of the defeat, said: "Physically it has been tough for him [Harry Kane].
"He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped.
"The games are hugely demanding and we thought Ollie's freshness would allow us to press better and offer a press in behind.
Cole Palmer's stunning goal for England against Spain sent fans wild
PA
"I thought the substitutes came on and did what we asked them to do."
Palmer is now set to turn his attentions to helping Chelsea shine under new boss Enzo Maresca next season.
The Italian was recently appointed as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement after the Argentine left by mutual consent.
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