Ashley Cole urges Gareth Southgate to make big call on Bukayo Saka ahead of England’s final group game against Slovenia as Three Lions bid to get back on track after dire Denmark draw

Bukayo Saka has already made 10 appearances for England at major tournaments.

The 22-year-old Arsenal forward 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.

Saka has so far started in England’s first two games at Euro 2024 in Germany.

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.

Bukayo Saka has started in each of England’s first two matches at Euro 2024 this summer

Saka set up Jude Bellingham (right) for the winning goal when England beat Serbia 1-0

Arsenal star Saka was pictured training on Saturday as England prepared to face Slovenia

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

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.’

Ashley Cole, pictured speaking on beIN Sports, would like to see Saka rested against Slovenia

Cole thinks that Phil Foden, pictured during a gym session on Sunday, should start on the right

Former Arsenal and Chelsea left back Cole represented England 107 times in his playing days

Cole added that he would like to see Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer operate in the centre of the park against Slovenia and that he hoped England would ‘be more front footed’.

An experienced player with 107 international caps, Cole represented England at five major tournaments between 2002 and 2012.