Joe Cole has urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to drop Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for Chelsea's Cole Palmer in order to win the World Cup this summer. The former England international believes Palmer's form and versatility make him the ideal candidate for the right-wing position, despite Saka's long-standing role as the team's first choice.
England's World Cup Preparation
The Three Lions head into the tournament after a mixed final international break, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and losing 1-0 to Japan. Despite these results, Tuchel's side remains among the favorites, having reached back-to-back European Championship finals under previous boss Sir Gareth Southgate and deep World Cup runs in 2018 and 2022.
Cole, who earned 56 caps for England, shared his ideal starting XI on The Dressing Room podcast. He highlighted the need for experience and balance, naming Jordan Pickford in goal, a defense of Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Nico O'Reilly, and a midfield anchored by Declan Rice alongside Elliot Anderson.
Key Selection Decisions
Cole emphasized Rice's role as the most crucial player, instructing him to marshal the midfield from a deeper position. He sees Jude Bellingham as the No. 10 but noted flexibility if he underperforms. On the wings, Cole chose Palmer on the right, describing him as a player who can operate as a second No. 10, and Anthony Gordon on the left over Marcus Rashford due to his goal-scoring, pressing, and pace.
“I think with that team we can control possession and win the World Cup,” Cole said. He believes the midfield of Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, and Palmer offers power, ability, and goals.
Saka's Form and Competition
Saka has been England's first-choice right winger for years but endured a poor season by his standards at Arsenal, though his form has improved recently. Cole's preference for Palmer reflects a desire for a different tactical approach, with Palmer's cutting inside from the right reminiscent of his Chelsea performances.
England's preliminary squad must be submitted by May 11, with the final 26-man squad due by May 30. Tuchel faces selection dilemmas across defense, midfield, and attack, but Cole's advice is clear: back Palmer and Gordon to provide the spark needed to end England's 60-year wait for a World Cup trophy.
England are drawn in Group L and begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama.
