Switzerland star baffled by 'perfect' Cole Palmer's lack of England minutes | OneFootball

Switzerland star baffled by 'perfect' Cole Palmer's lack of England minutes | OneFootball

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Evening Standard

·3 July 2024

Switzerland star baffled by 'perfect' Cole Palmer's lack of England minutes

Article image:Switzerland star baffled by 'perfect' Cole Palmer's lack of England minutes

Chelsea fan Kwadwo Duah is preparing to face the Three Lions on Saturday

London-born Switzerland forward Kwadwo Duah says he has been baffled by Cole Palmer's lack of playing time at Euro 2024 as he gears up to take on England in this weekend's quarter-final.


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Duah, whose parents are from Ghana, was born in the UK before moving to Switzerland at the age of two and grew up supporting Chelsea.

England's attack is yet to fire heading into Saturday's last-eight meeting in Dusseldorf and Southgate is again facing calls to shake up his forward line by introducing Blues star Palmer, who scored 22 times in the Premier League last season, more than any other Englishman, but has made just two substitute appearances since the Euros began.

"Of course, I follow English football," Duah said. "I would say I'm a big Chelsea fan, my idol is Didier Drogba. [Palmer] had a very, very good season. I'm also thinking, 'Why is he not playing?' because his stats were perfect in my opinion. Let's see if he starts at the weekend."

Article image:Switzerland star baffled by 'perfect' Cole Palmer's lack of England minutes

Kwadwo Duah speaking to reporters on Tuesday

AFP via Getty Images

Duah, who plays his club football in Bulgaria, for Ludogorets, scored the opening goal of Switzerland's campaign in their 3-1 group stage win over Hungary, and Murat Yakin's side have been hugely impressive since in holding Germany to a draw and then knocking out holders Italy in the last 16.

In Granit Xhaka, the Swiss also possess one of Europe's most in-form midfielders, and Duah believes the former Arsenal man will be key to their hopes of reaching a first ever major tournament semi-final.

"What I can say about Granit is that he's very positive," the 27-year-old said. "He always wants to win, even in training. He's really good at what he does.

"What I can learn from him is his winning mentality. He pushes the people around him, he controls everything. That's very impressive."

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