Micah Richards explains why Bukayo Saka starts ahead of Cole Palmer for England at Euro 2024 

Former England defender Micah Richards believes Gareth Southgate picks Bukayo Saka over Cole Palmer at Euro 2024 as the Arsenal man provides balance and consistency. He added that the England manager trusts Saka more as he has worked with him longer than Palmer.

On The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards claimed he is worried about Saka playing at wing-back. However, he understands why the Arsenal star, who scored in the quarter-final win against Switzerland, starts over Palmer at right wing and said (via Metro):

"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," he added.

Fans have been urging Southgate to pick Cole Palmer in the starting XI, but the England manager has stuck with Bukayo Saka at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate heaps praise on Bukayo Saka after penalty at EURO 2024

Gareth Southgate has claimed that Bukayo Saka was courageous to step up and take a penalty in the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 on Friday, July 5. Saka, who missed from the spot in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, successfully converted his effort against Switzerland.

Southgate stated that the Arsenal star is now more mature and knows how to handle pressure.

"That takes courage but we have belief in him. We had belief in him previously. He’s now got a lot more experience of those pressure moments and his all-round performance was exceptional," the manager was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

England will face the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on Wednesday, July 10.