‘Bench him’: Chelsea legend urges Southgate to make big call on Saka

Former Arsenal and England left back Ashley Cole thinks that Gareth Southgate should consider benching Saka against Slovenia on Tuesday.

Saka has started the Three Lions opening two group stage matches at the ongoing Euro 2024. He assisted Jude Bellingham for the winning goal as the Three Lions kicked off with a a 1-0 victory over Serbia.

Saka then played 69 minutes in Thursday’s dismal 1-1 draw with Denmark. However, Cole believes that Saka dropping out of the XI could help England get the best out of Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

Saka has so far operated as England’s main wide attacker on the right, which is where Foden often plays for his club.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Cole explained: ‘I would like to see Anthony Gordon play from the left and I would like to see Foden playing on the right because I feel he’s been unfairly dug out.

‘You can still see it as a rest for Saka. I would like Foden to show the world how good he is because we know.

‘I feel he’s been unfairly criticised playing out of position. People might go “well he’s a world class player, he should be able to adapt”. Fair point I understand that.

‘But what I see of him playing for Man City I would like to see him play there.’

Saka featured four times at Euro 2020, including a cameo in the final, before netting three goals in four games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 22-year-old Arsenal forward will be eager to impress when England face Slovenia in their final group stage match on Tuesday.