England boss Gareth Southgate has been told to drop two of his regular Three Lions stars in favour of an Arsenal duo by former Chelsea star Joe Cole.
Ahead of England's opening group stage game against Iran on Monday afternoon, Cole has explained that Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling should make way for Gunners pair Ben White and Bukayo Saka. The Gunners pair have been a big reason behind why the club is top of the Premier League with 14 games played.
Southgate has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to who he will name in his starting eleven for the Three Lions' first game of the tournament, but Cole has made it clear who he thinks should be in there.
The ex-England international has explained how it should be a case of form rather than reputation and for that reason Saka and White should make the cut of Manchester United captain Maguire and Chelsea's summer signing Sterling.
This is despite the fact that Sterling is one of the most seasoned players England could call upon in what is the forward's third World Cup for his country. It is undeniable he is yet to find his best form for the Blues, bagging just five goals in 19 appearances since his £50million switch from Manchester City.
Maguire has hardly fared better, losing his place as a starter for United under new boss Erik ten Hag despite donning the armband.
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Speaking to William Hill’s Stripped Podcast, Cole explained his stance, claiming: "As much as I love Raheem, he’s not in form. Bukayo Saka’s playing for the team at the top of the Premier League.
"It will evolve as the tournament goes on. Five substitutions as well – it’s a game of 16 players, effectively, so most players will get a chance."
The former Blues star also revealed that White would make the cut when it comes to deciding England's backline. He added: "I would go with [Jordan] Pickford in goal, centre halves I’ll go [John] Stones and White in the group stage.
Cole went on to explain his ideal England starting line-up in full, adding: "[Kieran] Trippier right-back, [Luke] Shaw left-back. Then I’d play a midfield of Declan [Rice], [Jude] Bellingham and Mason [Mount] – Declan holding then the two 10s given licence to go forward.
"Then I’d play Harry Kane up top, obviously, then probably start with Phil Foden on the right, then Saka on the left."
The Three Lions faithful watching on from home will discover whether Southgate has heeded Cole's advice at midday on Monday afternoon.
