Ashley Cole urges England to make interesting decision involving Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden for Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia
Former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has urged England coach Gareth Southgate to rest Bukayo Saka and play Phil Foden on the right wing. England play their last group-stage game of Euro 2024 against Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25.
The Three Lions' attacking frailties were exposed following their 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday, June 20. Captain Harry Kane managed to score his first goal of the tournament but England's attack looked devoid of creativity.
While the Euro 2020 runners-up have a foot in the Round of 16 of the current edition, Southgate has been urged to change his tactics. Asked what he would change about the England lineup for their remaining games, Cole said (via beIN SPORTS):
"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."
Cole would also like to see Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo or Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer in midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed in the center of the pitch for the first two games, but was taken off in the second half on both occasions.
"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," he said.
Cole also shared his two cents on the ongoing debate that England players are too tired to implement Southgate's pressing style of play. The former Arsenal star urged the 53-year-old to fill his lineup with players who can run and press and replace those who have had a long season.
"It looked like they weren’t fit enough in the two games that I’ve watched. I don’t think you can be unfit at this stage of the season," he said. "You’ve gone 38 games in the league plus the cup games, plus Champions League. What I would say is choose fresh players, choose players that can run, choose players that haven’t played as many games. That would be the answer to that."
England reached the final of Euro 2020 but lost to Italy
At Euro 2020, the Three Lions reached their first final since the 1966 World Cup, where they came up against Italy. England were poised to lift their first-ever European trophy after Luke Shaw gave them the lead in the second minute. However, a second-half goal by Leonardo Bonucci (67') drew the Italians level.
The match eventually went to penalties, and Southgate's men had the early lead with the score 2-1 after both teams had taken two penalties each. Sadly, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford missed their penalties, ultimately losing the final 2-3 on penalties to the gli Azzurri.
The win marked Italy's first major international trophy since their 2006 World Cup triumph.