Jamie O’Hara was left dumbfounded after Jason Cundy revealed that he’d drop Jude Bellingham AND Bukayo Saka for England’s next match.
The Three Lions will face Slovakia in Euro 2024’s last-16 on Sunday afternoon – a clash that will be live on talkSPORT.
While advancing in top spot from Group C, the performances of Gareth Southgate’s side have been heavily scrutinised by fans and sections of the media.
Among the main gripes have been the lack of impact made by Phil Foden at the Euros, along with Bellingham’s struggles against Denmark and Slovenia.
With that in mind, talkSPORT host Cundy had a bold opinion on how Southgate can get the team firing – but it’s not good news for the Real Madrid star who scored 23 goals to help his side to LaLiga and Champions League glory.
Speaking on The Sports Bar, Cundy said: “I think Bellingham might have to, for me right now, I want Foden in No.10. I want him there.
“I’ll have Mainoo alongside Rice. I’d consider leaving Bellingham out.”
“I would consider leaving Bellingham out, I would… it’s not ideal, you’ve only got 11 players. I want Gordon to start.”
Asked by fan Shane, who had called into the Sports Bar, if he’d drop him. “Yeah, I would.”
O’Hara can’t believe it, who asks him again if he’d drop him. “Yeah, I would.”
Cundy added: “I’m going to have to leave Bellingham out of this one. I’ve dropped Bellingham, mate and I’m playing Foden in the 10.
“Three games ago I’d have never said this. I am saying this now. In tournament football your opinion changes.
“The first team you see at the tournament, by the end of it it never looks the same. There are players who play themselves in and players who play themselves out.
“For me, Mainoo’s played himself in. Bellingham’s played himself out. Foden down the middle, Gordon on the left, and do you know what, I’m playing Palmer on the right and Kane up front.”
The inclusion of Anthony Gordon would be a popular choice among many England fans, however the decision to leave out Bukayo Saka – who scored 20 times for Arsenal last term – out of the squad would certainly be a big gamble.
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
