"Making me piss" - Paul Scholes aims dig at Ian Wright's idea of playing Arsenal's Bukayo Saka at LB for England at Euro 2024
Paul Scholes has mocked Ian Wright's idea of moving Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to the left-back position to accommodate Chelsea forward Cole Palmer in England's Euro 2024 XI. The Three Lions have made an underwhelming start to the campaign but advanced to the knockout stages as Group C winners.
Gareth Southgate's men face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday (June 30). The Manchester United legend posted a telling Instagram story touching on the situation ahead of the game:
"Making me piss these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left back because they're afraid he's gonna be left out for Palmer."
Gareth Southgate's men have looked somewhat timid in attack, which was meant to be the team's biggest strength. In their group games, they beat Serbia 1-0, drew 1-1 with Denmark, and lost 0- 0 to Slovenia.
Saka, 22, has started all three Euro 2024 games, while Palmer, 22, was only handed a 19-minute cameo appearance against Slovenia. The latter looked a threat after coming on in the 0-0 stalemate, and many suggest he should be a starter.
Wright opined that Saka could move to left back to give Southgate's team more balance. The Arsenal icon said after the draw at Cologne Stadium:
"As great as Saka has done in terms of what he creates and his goals and assists, he is a natural left-sided player. He started playing for England on the left at youth level, he started at Arsenal on the left. If that's going to give you the balance and gets you Cole Palmer in the team, it's something you have to at least look at."
Saka hasn't played left-back for Arsenal since the 2020-21 season, as he's become one of their best attackers on the right wing. He is an option because England doesn't have any other left-footed defenders other than Luke Shaw, who is injured.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer could displace Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in England's Euro 2024 XI
Southgate is under pressure to change his team amid England's frustrating Euro 2024 campaign thus far. Kobbie Mainoo also came on during the draw against Slovenia, and his impressive outing led to a probable start against Slovakia.
Saka was once again one of the Gunners' shining stars last season, with 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 games across competitions. He's been outstanding on international duty since debuting in October 2020, with 11 goals and seven assists in 36 caps.
However, after an incredible debut campaign at Chelsea, Palmer was the Premier League's Young Player of the Year last season. Pep Guardiola's decision to sell him looks a mistake as he bagged 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 games across competitions.
One has to question why Southgate didn't opt to change things up in the clash with Slovenia. He started Euro 2024 by experimenting with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role.