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The Three Lions’ stars struggled to impress in their goalless draw against USMNT. Gareth Southgate has come under severe criticism for his squad selection and there are calls for shuffling in the squad with Joe Cole also lending his voice to the chorus.
After impressing against Iran, the English players went in their shells and could not work around the athleticism of their American rivals. Harry Kane was silent once again while Bukayo Saka had his worst outing in an England shirt.
Former Chelsea and England great, Joe Cole, believes Southgate needs to freshen up his playing eleven and has suggestions for areas to cater to.
The Three Lions are missing the experience and workhorse qualities of Jordan Henderson and he should make the cut against Wales in midfield. Further up the pitch, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden should start ahead of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Mason Mount.
“He’s going to be key of course and I love Harry Kane and if we are to win this World Cup, he’s going to have to be on it. But he had the ankle knock in the first game and I just think he’s a mature player now,” the 41-year-old remarked.
“He’s England captain, he’s a leader, come out, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. Play Marcus Rashford, get him involved. Bring Jack in off the left, I thought he had done well, he can hold onto the ball for us.
“And I think having Henderson in as well, you can take the onus off of Bellingham and [Mason] Mount, change your shape. It’s a big shout for the media and it’s always the story.”
Two days until we're back in @FIFAWorldCup action! pic.twitter.com/eTD7KzOLVd
— England (@England) November 27, 2022
Don’t touch the invincible backline
Prior to their arrival, plenty of questions were raised about England’s defence. Southgate has persisted with Harry Maguire and John Stones while Jordan Pickford remains in goal.
All three have had issues at their clubs but made the final cut for Qatar 2022. Maguire has struggled for minutes on the pitch at Old Trafford. Stones has predominantly filled in as a right-back this season while Pickford routinely picks the ball out of his own net at Everton.
Cole opined that the Three Lions are assured at the back and do not require a new makeover. Moreover, replacing Kieran Trippier for Kyle Walker can freshen them up on the pitch.
“I think he [Southgate] has to get the right blend between resting players and also going and getting a result to take into the last 16. I know we can still go out if Wales beat us 4-0 and you have to respect that football can throw up strange results,” Cole told ITV.
“But England I feel will go through and it’s how they want to go through. I think Gareth needs to bring players in, and get them involved in the tournament, I mean this is the team that I would pick.
“I’d stick with the back four, I wrestled with the idea of getting Kyle Walker back in and getting him up and running. But I thought that was a real positive in the last game.
“I thought the back four and the goalie and Harry Maguire in particular, I thought was fantastic, a lot of pressure on his shoulders.”
Getting ready for Tuesday 💪#threelions pic.twitter.com/SXuX4X5Fum
— England (@England) November 27, 2022
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