Ashley Cole says England boss Gareth Southgate must drop Bukayo Saka in tactical switch and names man to replace him
ASHLEY COLE has called on Gareth Southgate to leave Bukayo Saka out of his England team for their crunch Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia.
Saka, 22, impressed in the Three Lions’ opener against Serbia, assisting Jude Bellingham’s headed goal.
But Southgate‘s men were collectively criticised for their performance in the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Phil Foden has particularly struggled out on the left, leading many to call for him to play as a No10 and drop Bellingham into a deeper midfield role.
But ex-England left-back Cole, 43, wants Southgate to rest Saka and switch Foden to the right, with Anthony Gordon coming in on the other flank.
Speaking to beIN Sports, he said: “I would like to see Anthony Gordon play from the left, I would like to see Foden playing on the right because I feel he’s been unfairly dug out.
“You can still see it as a rest for Saka. I would like Foden to show the world how good he is because we know.
“I feel he’s been unfairly criticised playing out of position. People might go ‘Well he’s a world class player, he should be able to adapt’. Fair point I understand that.
“But what I see of him playing for Man City I would like to see him play there [on the right].”
Another major talking point has been the No8 position, with Trent Alexander-Arnold finding it difficult in midfield.
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Conor Gallagher and Adam Wharton are considered viable replacements for the Liverpool man.
But Cole wants either Kobbie Mainoo to assume the role or Cole Palmer to slot in at No10.
He added: “In terms of midfield or other changes I’d like to see Kobbie or Cole Palmer play in midfield, be more front footed, dominate the ball a bit more. They would be my changes.”
Pundits and legends lay into England
ENGLAND's lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate's team.
Here’s the best of what was said…
ALAN SHEARER
“Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
“I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
“England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
“There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
“It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
“You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
GARY LINEKER
The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
RIO FERDINAND
“The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
ROY KEANE
“Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
“There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
“This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
JAMIE CARRAGHER
“My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
“England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
“The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
“Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
JACK WILSHERE
“It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
“But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.”