Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has warned ‘putting me out of position’ is not the solution for England at Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate mulls over his team selection for the last 16 clash with Slovakia.
The Three Lions laboured through the group phase of the competition, narrowly beating Serbia and drawing with Denmark and Slovenia.
Kieran Trippier has been deployed at left-back in every game so far with Luke Shaw still to feature having not played any football since February.
While the Manchester United star suggested this week he is now fit to play, it remains to be seen whether he will come into the side this weekend.
Trippier has often played at left-back for club and country but is not a natural left-footed player and has also been dealing with a calf problem.
With England lacking natural width down the left, former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has suggested Saka dropping in to that defensive role, freeing up a space for Cole Palmer to join the attack.
While prepared to play wherever his manager asks him, Saka is not convinced.
Speaking to Steve Crossman of BBC 5 Live, the Gunners star explained ‘putting me out of position’ in a left-back role is not the right solution for England. Saka added: ‘It’s in Gareth’s hands and we all have to trust what he selects on the day.’
The full interview is set to be released in the lead-up to Sunday’s game in Gelsenkirchen.
Saka has previously played at left-back at youth level for England and was also asked to briefly take up that role shortly after breaking into the senior Arsenal side.
Wright made the case for Saka to drop into left-back following the goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night.
‘As great as Saka has done for England in terms of what he creates and his goals and assists, he is a natural left-sided player,’ Wright said.
‘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.
‘Yes, Kyle Walker can play there [at left-back], it’s the same situation where you have the player coming inside, you have no one going around. He’s a natural left-footer Saka, we could activate the whole left side.’
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