Former England International Joe Cole Urges Thomas Tuchel to Prioritize Cole Palmer Over Bukayo Saka for World Cup Starting XI

Joe Cole explains why Thomas Tuchel should snub Bukayo Saka for Cole Palmer in England’s World Cup XI to maximize goals and tactical control.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 1:47 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Difficult Start for the Tuchel Era

The final international break before the 2026 World Cup has left the England national team with more questions than answers. Under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions failed to secure a victory in recent friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Japan. Tuchel utilized these fixtures to experiment with a false nine system and several fringe players, but the lack of cohesive attacking threat without Harry Kane has sparked a national debate over the squad's optimal configuration. As the summer tournament approaches, pressure is mounting on the German head coach to finalize a starting eleven capable of delivering England’s first major trophy since 1966.

The Case for Cole Palmer Over Bukayo Saka

The most provocative suggestion for England’s tactical evolution comes from Chelsea legend Joe Cole, who believes that Thomas Tuchel must make difficult selection calls to maximize the team's potential. Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Cole argued that Bukayo Saka should be moved to the bench in favor of Cole Palmer. By deploying Palmer on the right wing, Cole suggests England can effectively utilize "two number tens," allowing Palmer to drift inward and create goal-scoring opportunities in a manner similar to his standout performances at Stamford Bridge. This shift would prioritize creative fluidity and goal-scoring output over the traditional directness offered by the Arsenal winger.

Revamping the Defensive and Midfield Core

Cole’s vision for the World Cup includes several unconventional choices aimed at increasing the team's "penetration" and defensive stability. He advocates for the inclusion of Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly at left-back over Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, citing O’Reilly’s ability to drive forward and support the attack. In the heart of the midfield, Cole pairs Declan Rice with Elliot Anderson, instructing Rice to abandon his more advanced Arsenal role to serve as a dedicated defensive marshal. This configuration is designed to provide a solid foundation for a high-powered attacking quartet, ensuring that England remains resilient off the ball against elite international opposition.