Gareth Southgate speaks on Cole Palmer’s performance on his England debut

Gareth Southgate gives verdict on Cole Palmer’s performance on his England debut

Chelsea star Cole Palmer made his England debut in the 2-0 victory over Malta on Friday night at Wembley stadium.

England manager Gareth Southgate was happy with the performance of Palmer who came on as a second-half substitute but wasn’t impressed with the performance of England against Malta.

Southgate said: “Cole Palmer coming on for his debut had a good impact. He looked very comfortable in this environment. There are positives but we know we were not where we want to be and can be.”

Southgate added: “If you don’t start games well it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t. We know the level we’ve got should be better, can be better.

“Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation. We didn’t hit the heights that we have done this calendar year.

“So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel and clearly it’s possible we could have had three or four with the decisions as well but we didn’t create enough clear chances to deserve that anyway.

“These players have played so many games and have done so well for us so I am not going to hammer them for it. We weren’t where we [should be] but we got the win.”