World Cup: Cole wants Southgate to start Saka ahead of this Chelsea star vs Iran

Ahead of England’ world cup game vs Iran, Former Chelsea star, Joe Cole, has sent a message to coach Gareth Southgate on players to start during the match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

England will start their World Cup campaign on Monday in their opening match vs Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

Cole urged Southgate to start the likes of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka ahead of Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and Arsenal’s Ben White instead of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.

He also wants Southgate to start Everton’s Jordan Pickford in the goalpost against Iran.

“As much as I love Raheem, he is not in form,” Cole said on William Hill’s Stripped Podcast.

“Bukayo Saka’s playing for the team at the top of the Premier League.

“It will evolve as the tournament goes on. Five substitutions as well – it is a game of 16 players effectively, so most players will get a chance.

“I would go with Pickford in goal, centre halves, I will go with Stones and [Ben] White in the group stage.

“Trippier right back, Shaw left back. Then I would play a midfield of Declan, Bellingham and Mason – Declan holding then the two 10s given licence to go forward.

“Then I would play Harry Kane up top, obviously, then probably start with Phil Foden on the right, then Saka on the left.”