Former Marseille and Tottenham playmaker Chris Waddle believes that Cole Palmer should start at No. 10 ahead of Jude Bellingham.
Waddle was one of England’s most creative players during his career, and the country is currently blessed with a number of attacking midfielders.
Jude Bellingham has had an exceptional season at Real Madrid, winning both La Liga and the Champions League, while Cole Palmer has produced outstanding numbers with Chelsea after his move from Manchester City.
City’s own Phil Foden, and Arsenal’s Declan Rice also offer plenty of technical ability.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, Waddle weighed up how best to fit Bellingham, Rice and Palmer into the side.
He said: “I think England need to find a place for Cole Palmer in the starting eleven. He's a terrific player with fantastic vision and awareness. A lot of people say he doesn’t offer enough of the ball, but that isn’t his game, and you have to play to your strengths as a player. With the talent that England have in midfield, Cole could slot into that number ten role without any problems at all.
“He's shown what he can do at Chelsea this season. I’d love to see him given that freedom in Southgate’s England team.
“Bellingham has that 10 shirt and position at the moment. I think with his work rate and all-round ability, Jude could easily play a little bit deeper alongside Declan Rice. He’s such a fit guy who can cover so much ground, so play him a bit deeper.
“Sometimes you need to be a little bit brave. We have the players and the ability to dominate teams in midfield. When you look at our potential starting eleven, most nations have got one or two players that you would worry about – we’ve got about five or six. I think we could frighten the life out of some teams if we were a little bit bolder with our selections.
“I also don’t understand it when people say that Declan Rice can’t handle the defensive responsibility on his own. He has got four defenders behind him – he’s not doing it on his own! Finding that balance in midfield is crucial and, if Bellingham were to partner Rice, he has the physicality and intelligence to provide security if and when [it is] required.”
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