The stage is set for Jadon Sancho to show the world what he can do at Wembley on Saturday night.
Frozen out by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and left to train with the kids, Sancho kick-started his season following a loan move back to Borussia Dortmund in January. The 24-year-old has helped the Bundesliga outfit defy the odds to reach the Champions League final where they will take on red-hot favourites Real Madrid and his ex-teammate Jude Bellingham.
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole is backing Sancho to complete a remarkable turnaround and shine on the biggest of stages.
Speaking on behalf of Expedia Live, Cole said: “The eyes of the world will be on him because it’s a fantastic story. We all love a kid who couldn’t get a game, was training with the reserves and now he’s playing the biggest game in club football. Jadon is an incredible talent. I feel like he needed an arm around his shoulder. He feels that from Dortmund - they think that he’s home.
"I don’t think he will be nervous - he will go on to the pitch with a little chip on his shoulder and want to show the world, England and Manchester United what a top player he is. It’s an opportunity to make a difference. It will be really important for him."
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Jadon Sancho has had a resurgence in form at Borussia Dortmund (Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)Sancho's future remains in the balance following his public spat with Ten Hag. However, Cole believes we haven't necessarily seen the last of him in a United shirt, even if the manager remains in the hotseat.
"It’s a fresh start - you don’t know what’s going to happen," Cole said. "It’s a new season with new beginnings. There will be a restructure of the squad, possibly a new manager as well."
Sancho missed out on a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad, with his resurgence in form coming too late to earn him a place on the plane. In contrast, Bellingham is nailed on for a spot in the starting XI after a standout season with Real Madrid where he won the title and was crowned La Liga Player of the Year.
Joe Cole at the Expedia Live stand at the UEFA Champions Festival on Trafalgar Square. The brand is encouraging fans to travel the beautiful game, as nothing beats being there (1983 Creative/Phillip Volkers)But Cole has urged caution around the 20-year-old, who will be looking to add a Champions League medal to his list of accolades, adding: “Jude just needs to go and play football. He’s going to be a star and there will be lots of people throwing money at him. [Lionel] Messi for years done very little advertising and you didn’t really hear him talk. Let Jude enjoy himself, go out there and have fun. We don’t need to put pressure on him.”
Cole recently picked Wembley Stadium as his No.1 destination in London, closely followed by Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
He said: "Wembley holds a special place in my heart. I must be one of a few players to have been lucky enough to play at the old and new stadium. I feel privileged. Winning the FA Cup final there for the first time was incredible."
Joe Cole was speaking on behalf of Expedia Live. The brand is encouraging fans to travel the beautiful game, as nothing beats being there. Visit Expedia Live or head to the Expedia stand at the UEFA Champions Festival in Trafalgar Square this weekend.
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