Joe Cole claimed England’s midfield will make them the “envy” of the World Cup after a fightback against Germany provided an important confidence boost.
At 2-0 down, the introductions of Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka changed the game for the Three Lions and goals from Luke Shaw, Mount and Harry Kane had them ahead until a late Nick Pope error gifted the visitors a 3-3 draw.
Former England star Cole explained how the substitutes’ performance plus the budding partnership of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice will strike fear into opponents this winter.
“The substitutions, Saka and Mount, they were absolutely outstanding,” Cole said on Channel 4.
“Bellingham and Rice in the middle of the park. They will be the envy of many teams at the World Cup.
“It was an outstanding performance, but it was from the gut. Those lads showed so much spirit.
“It was an outstanding finish. These two, Saka and Mount link-up. What a finish. Saka has played it in. Mason’s not been at his best, he will be the first to admit that. But he has taken that with such confidence and whipped it.”
