It’s unacceptable – Joe Cole names best player during England’s defeat to Italy

Former Chelsea star, Joe Cole, has named Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham as the best player during England’s Nations League 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday.

Cole also labelled England’s performance against Italy as ‘unacceptable’, insisting Bellingham was the only player to offer some hope for the Three Lions.

Gareth Southgate’s side lost against Italy at San Siro following Giacomo Raspadori’s second-half goal.

“It is the same problem that surfaces a lot with England, we have to be braver,” Cole told Channel 4.

“These lads have got the ability, we have seen it week in, week out they are top drawer players. Puff your chest out, push your shoulders back and go and get on the ball in difficult positions.

“Drive through the lines. Jude Bellingham, a 19-year-old, was our best player tonight and that’s unacceptable with the quality we have got because we have got the ability.”

England’s next Nations League tie is against Germany on Monday.