Joe Cole’s England XI to play Wales stuns fans with Kane and Bellingham out and Henderson starting in new look side
JOE COLE has left fans stunned with his England team to face Wales next week with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham dropping out and Jordan Henderson starting.
The Three Lions won their opening World Cup Group B game 6-2 against Iran, but the same starting XI followed it up with a lacklustre display against USA, drawing 0-0.
Wales, meanwhile, have just one point and are on the brink of elimination following a 2-0 loss to Iran.
England legend Cole has called on manager Gareth Southgate to make a number of changes to his team to keep things fresh.
One of the players Cole says could do with a rest is Three Lions captain Kane.
The striker picked up a knock on the ankle against Iran, was passed fit to face USA, but didn’t quite look right.
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That would allow Marcus Rashford to lead the line.
However, fans aren’t pleased with Cole’s suggestion, with one tweeting: “Harry Kane is as vital to England as he is to Tottenham whether he is scoring or not anyone who understands football knows that obviously Joe Cole doesn’t so why [do] ITV employ him.”
Midfield star Bellingham – who scored his first England goal against Iran – is another who Cole wants to see drop out.
Axing Bellingham would then allow Liverpool captain Henderson to come into the team – however such a decision wouldn’t be popular with the England faithful.
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Henderson was a second half substitute against USA, coming on for Bellingham.
But fans slammed Southgate for showing a lack of attacking intent with the swap.
Manchester City ace Phil Foden, meanwhile, stayed on the bench.
Southgate is likely to stick with Jordan Pickford in goal, with the Everton keeper being protected by Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
Declan Rice is the back four’s shield with Henderson coming in.
The West Ham and Liverpool captains anchoring the midfield would allow an attacking four of Fode, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Rashford to run wild.