Chris Waddle would make a few changes to England's starting lineup if he were in charge.
The retired former England international suggested a few names for manager Gareth Southgate to consider ahead of the Three Lions' massive Euro 2024 group stage finale on Tuesday against Slovenia.
England lead Group C by two points ahead of Tuesday's kick-off and Waddle believes his suggestions would help keep them there.
"We’ve discussed how several of our players haven’t been at their best, including Harry Kane, but I don’t think he’s going to get dropped," Waddle told Genting Casino. "I think he will definitely start and hopefully he can start rediscovering his form. Kane stays at the top of the pitch.
"Behind Kane, it’s time for [Cole] Palmer to play. We all know what he can offer in that number ten position, and I would like to think that he will be given an opportunity to show what he can do. That would mean playing [Jude] Bellingham alongside [Declan] Rice, but he has the ability and the physical attributes to play in a box-to-box role. With the players that we have in this squad, Bellingham would be better suited to a deeper role.
"I think [Anthony] Gordon should come in on the left. He’s been absolutely brilliant for Newcastle United this season and he gives England the opportunity to press aggressively and go in behind teams. He stretches play, which pushes the opponent back.
"Then it’s a toss-up between [Phil] Foden and [Bukayo] Saka on the right. Neither player has done enough to demand a spot in the team, but I think Saka probably edges it."
Waddle applauded Southgate for sticking to his vision so far in the tournament, and urged the manager to continue to see the bigger picture in terms of team selection — even if that means disappointing a player or two in the process.
"Southgate made bold calls with his squad – a lot of people missed out, and you must praise him for his decisiveness," Waddle said. "He needs to show that decisiveness now with his team selection, and if that means upsetting a player, then so be it. Foden would be a great option to have off the bench if he’s needed, too."
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