Cole Palmer has reacted to Roy Keane's glowing comments on his second-half cameo in England's drab goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions topped Group C despite being forced to settle for a point last night and Palmer caught the eye after being brought on with 20 minutes remaining.
Brought on for Bukayo Saka, Palmer, who enjoyed a scintillating season at club level with Chelsea, provided a much-needed spark down the right-hand side.
Keane believes the 21-year-old's eye-catching display off the bench could be a significant boost for Gareth Southgate ahead of the knockout stages.
'He's so unpredictable, he can beat a man, go left or right,' Keane said on ITV.
'A lot of brilliant players affect the game, when he came on, you knew he was going to affect the game. Every time he got it, we were looking at him.
'I'm hard to impress and I'm thinking "something is going to happen". Every time he gets the ball you think something is going to happen...
'He will think he should be in that starting XI. He won't think "I'm learning and I'm glad to be here". He will be looking at Gareth, thinking "get me out there".'
Palmer was later made aware of Keane's comments and admitted he was pleased.
'Yeah, you know it's always nice to hear, especially coming from someone like Roy Keane who played internationally and at Man United so it's nice to hear,' he said.
The winger was also quizzed on the possibility of him starting in the last-16, saying: 'Obviously it's up to the manager now for what he wants to do.'
Keane had also insisted Palmer has the 'X-factor' his country so badly needs.
'I know we were wondering why he didn't come on in that first or second game, but every time he gets the ball it looks like something is going to happen,' he added.
'There was certainly a bit more flow to their game the last 15 or 20 minutes.
'There was still no end product and they didn't really test the keeper, but there were one or two positives with the clean sheet. They need to show more quality in the attacking areas, but I do love Palmer. I think he's amazing.'
The FA, meanwhile, are set to be charged after boss Gareth Southgate was pelted by plastic beer cups from angry supporters as he applauded the crowd in Cologne.
juzacklmru
518
The problem with this England team now is Bellingham, despite scoring on the opening day he has being very poor losing possession. Get him off, let Foden play the 10 role, Cole Palmer from the right and Gordon plays from the left. Saka can come in from the bench
AFerbxEh1703
259
Palmer should be starter coming from a sheffield fan
1893askena
237
he is never a bench material, I've said it over and over. he's better than Foden
Amgreat
186
my elderbro was almost fighting a friend who underrated cole palmer,when i watched him yesterday i slapped the guy this morning...Cole is a joy to watch(visionary passes,skills)where all on point as much as i hate chelsea but you got a product there dont joke with him.