Gareth Southgate explains why Bukayo Saka was moved to left-back for England's Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia
England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed why he decided to shift Bukayo Saka to left-back in a 2-1 UEFA Euro 2024 last-16 win against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30).
Ahead of The Three Lions' recent Euro 2024 clash, a number of pundits suggested that Saka should replace Kieran Trippier at left-back. Arsenal great Ian Wright was one of the former footballers who put forward the idea after a 0-0 group-stage draw against Slovenia.
However, Saka claimed that he would not relish playing in his old role for England with Luke Shaw out injured. He said (h/t Irish Examiner):
"I don't think putting me out of position is the solution. At the end of the day, I think we can talk about this but it's in Gareth's hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day."
But, Southgate chose to move the Gunners forward to the left-sided defensive role in the recent encounter against Slovakia. After Cole Palmer replaced Trippier in the 66th minute of the continental tie, Saka played close to an hour beside Marc Guehi in Gelsenkirchen.
After the knockout tie, Southgate told BBC Radio Five Live (h/t Metro):
"We felt that Bukayo at left-back gave us an extra attacking outlet. It is a good option to have. I have to say the courage shown by the players was fantastic tonight."
Saka, who recorded 20 goals and 14 assists for Arsenal in the 2023-24 campaign, has started all four of England's games at the Euro 2024. The 22-year-old is yet to score a goal at the ongoing tournament.
Gareth Southgate defends decision to keep 2 stars on in England's latest Euro 2024 tie
Earlier this Sunday, Ivan Schranz put Slovakia ahead in the 25th minute of their tie against England. However, Jude Bellingham netted an overhead kick with seconds to go for the full-time whistle and Harry Kane bagged the winner in the first minute of extra time.
At a post-match press conference, Gareth Southgate asserted that his decision to stick with Bellingham and Kane was justified (h/t Metro):
"The two [goal-scorers], you could arguably take off 15 minutes from the end because they looked out on their feet, but that is what they are capable of. Harry and Jude, with 15 minutes to go, you are looking and thinking, 'Should we be refreshing those positions?', and maybe that's the bit that makes the difference. But you know they are capable of doing the sorts of things they did."
Both Bellingham and Kane have netted twice at the Euro 2024 so far.