Joe Cole leaves two shock names out of his predicted England squad for Euro 2024… as former Three Lions star claims Gareth Southgate needs to bring the right type of ‘character’
- Southgate will name a provisional squad just days after the end of the season
- Competition for places in the squad is widespread, especially in the front parts of the field
- Arsenal have FINALLY grown up… they were soft and you can’t say that anymore. It all starts
Joe Cole has suggested that two big stars could miss out on a place in the England squad for this summer’s European Championships.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will name a provisional squad just days after the end of the current season, with debate continuing over whether 26 or 23 players will be in the squad for the tournament.
He will then trim his squad, with some key decisions still to be made, especially in the forward areas.
And that’s what Cole was focusing on when he referenced two big names he thinks could miss out on a spot on the plane to Germany for the championships this summer.
To promote the launch of Topps’ official trading cards and stickers, Cole gave his team predictions, with some suggestions that were sure to raise eyebrows.
Joe Cole has left two surprise names in his England squad for the 2024 European Championship this summer
Gareth Southgate will name a provisional squad just days after the Premier League season ends in May
Cole referred to the need for the right ‘character’ in the squad when the 23-man group is mentioned
“It sounds ridiculous, but the character of the players plays a role in the thinking and what it means to them,” Cole began. ‘I’m a big fan of Marcus Rashford, he has reached great heights in his career but for no reason is he going out where people are going to question him again.
‘For me, you only take Marcus with you if you are going to start him. I think he’s at the age now where he thinks and I wouldn’t start him before (Phil) Foden, (Harry) Kane or (Bukayo) Saka.
‘This is not a smear on his character and abilities, but at this point in his life and situation at United I think he could be the one left out. Also with Jack Grealish I love him, but how can you put him ahead of someone who plays week in week out, like a (James) Maddison or (Jarrod) Bowen who does it and who is match fit?’
Grealish missed the final England squad due to injury, with the likes of Bowen and Anthony Gordon pressing their case for inclusion, while Cole Palmer remains an option.
Rashford, meanwhile, played just 15 minutes in the games against Brazil and Belgium, with both players’ inclusion in the squad far from assured.
Southgate (pictured) has some important decisions to make as he looks to deliver England’s first trophy in almost 60 years
Cole also chose which forward he would include from Ivan Toney (left) and Ollie Watkins (right)
Another squad debate centers on who will go as back-up to Harry Kane, with Southgate likely to bring just one extra striker due to squad size limitations.
Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins face off for entry, with Toney scoring against Brazil. However, Watkins has scored 22 goals this season.
“It’s a really tough call and I have a feeling one of them will be very disappointed and rightfully feeling heavy,” Cole added. ‘Toney took his chance, not only with his penalty, but also with the way he played. Watkins had a more difficult task against Brazil.
‘I would go for Toney, he has the mentality and something in him that tells me he can play for England. He won’t panic about a penalty, he is the calmest man in the world and that also plays a part.’