Joe Cole leaves Andy Gray stunned after suggesting 'extraordinary' changes to England XI vs Slovenia

Joe Cole has named the changes he’d make to the England side at Euro 2024.

Joe Cole left Andy Gray gobsmacked after suggesting the drastic changes he’d make to the England XI ahead of their game against Slovenia.

England played out a 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday as they sit at the top of Group C.

Fans and critics alike have questioned the Three Lions’ showing in Frankfurt as foreign media hammered Gareth Southgate’s side.

However, a point against Slovenia would guarantee their spot in the next round of the tournament.

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And ahead of next Tuesday’s clash, Cole has named the changes he’d make to the team, leaving Gray stunned.

On beIN SPORTS, the former Chelsea and Liverpool player was joined by Gray and Jason McAteer.

He began by saying that Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to come out of midfield, having come under criticism for his performances in the middle of the park.

“I think they need to go back to basics… thicken that midfield up,” he explained.

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Cole also suggested changing the front three and even proposed dropping Harry Kane, which stunned Gray, who called a potential move to replace the star forward as ‘extraordinary’.

On the front three, which has consisted of Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, the former England international said: “The front three is not quite happening for us.”

 

Kane opened his goal account at Euro 2024 against Denmark, having had little impact versus Serbia.

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He’s not only England’s talisman but also captain, having skippered his national team in the first two games of the tournament.

Saka played a huge role in Jude Bellingham’s goal against Serbia in their opener while Foden has failed to impress as he has been employed on the left wing.

The Manchester City ace excelled for his club last season, scoring an impressive 27 goals across all competitions.

But at Man City, he played a more central position, which has been occupied by Bellingham for England.