"We all have to trust what he selects" - Bukayo Saka gives his take on moving to LB for England at Euro 2024
Bukayo Saka has admitted he doesn't feel being moved to left-back is the solution for England at Euro 2024. Many are pining for the Arsenal right-winger to be moved to the left flank to accommodate Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer.
BBC Radio Five Live's Steve Crossman spoke to Saka about the situation and claims he said 'putting me out of position' at left-back isn't the answer. The 22-year-old did acknowledge that the decision was up to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate:
"It’s in Gareth’s hands and we all have to trust what he selects on the day."
Bukayo Saka played in all three of England's Group C games but failed to score a goal or assist. This came amid a frustrating Euro 2024 group campaign for the Three Lions, who beat Serbia 1-0, drew 1-1 with Denmark, and 0- 0 with Slovenia. They next face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday (June 30).
Palmer, 22, came on for Saka in the draw against Slovenia on Tuesday (June 25) and showed glimpses of promise. That was enough for some fans and pundits to conclude that the Arsenal winger should be played at left-back.
Southgate has a left-back dilemma. Luke Shaw is still out injured and is the squad's only left-footed defender. Kieran Trippier has played in the role, but the right-back has struggled.
Saka started his career as a left-back before being developed into a right-winger. He was one of the Premier League's standout performers last season, with 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 games across competitions.
Ian Wright urged Gareth Southgate to look at playing Bukayo Saka at left-back for England at Euro 2024
Ian Wright is one of the biggest names pushing for Bukayo Saka to be moved to left-back. The Arsenal icon explained how he is a natural left-sided player and that this will allow Palmer to come into the team:
"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."
Southgate was pleased with Palmer's display during his 19-minute cameo appearance against Slovenia. The England boss said as his team moved to the Euro 2024 knockouts (via Metro):
"He (Palmer) showed what he’s been showing in training. I think with him and Kobbie (Mainoo) we had in our mind to get them into the game tonight, they offer something different."
Palmer was impressive for Chelsea last season and won the Premier League's Player of the Year award. He registered 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 games across competitions.