Chelsea legend feels England front-three with Harry Kane isn't working; calls for drastic changes against Slovenia
Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole has said that England's front three comprising Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka is not working. He also urged Gareth Southgate to make changes ahead of the Three Lions' clash against Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25. His remark comes after the Three Lions played out a 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday, June 20.
The Englishmen managed to win their first game of the European Championship, albeit by a slender margin (1-0), against Serbia. A towering Jude Bellingham header gave Southgate's men the lead in the 13th minute. However, the Euro 2020 runners-up looked pretty vulnerable throughout.
In their second game against Denmark, Harry Kane managed to open the scoring in the 18th minute. But the lead was neutralized by a screamer from Morten Hjulmand in the 34th minute.
Southgate was heavily criticised for his tactics, especially his decision to play Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. Furthermore, his comment about not having a 'natural replacement' for Kalvin Phillips added salt to the injury.
While speaking on beIN SPORTS, Joe Cole suggested taking Trent off midfield. He said:
"I think they need to go back to basics... thicken that midfield up."
Talking about the front three of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, Cole said:
"The front three is not quite happening for us."
Foden, who played as a central midfielder has been deployed to play on the wing for England in Euro 2024. He scored 27 goals across all competitions for Manchester City last season but has had little to no impact so far in the tournament.
Cole Palmer hasn't featured for England in Euro 2024 so far
Chelsea talisman Palmer was the best performer for the Blues last season. In 48 appearances across all competitions, the Englishman managed to score 27 goals and bagged 15 assists.
He hasn't featured in any of England's games so far with Southgate preferring Manchester City star Foden over him. Both players have a similar style of play and their agility makes them extremely tough to read for defenders.
Foden has struggled on the wings for the Three Lions so far and Southgate will likely be shaking things up a little in his front three.
England just need a point from their game against Slovenia to progress to the Round of 16 of the European Championship. Notably, Southgate's men reached the final of Euro for the first time in 2021, but were bested by Italy, who won their first major trophy since the 2006 World Cup.