Bukayo Saka Responds to Calls for England Left-Back Switch
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal star, has addressed the suggestions made by pundits Ian Wright and Gary Neville that he should be shifted to left-back for England at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
Saka, who has been a regular starter for the Three Lions in their group stage matches, playing on the right side of an attacking trio, revealed that he feels more comfortable and effective in his preferred position on the right wing.
“I feel more comfortable on the right and I think that’s where I play best,” Saka told talkSPORT’s England correspondent Faye Carruthers. “A lot of the time it’s about coming in on my stronger foot, being able to link up with players, playing passes and taking shots – stuff like that. It’s when I’m at my best so that’s why I think it’s my best position.”
The proposed solution from Wright and Neville came in the wake of England’s struggles to find a consistent left-back option, with Luke Shaw still fighting to regain full fitness after being sidelined since February. Kieran Trippier has been deputizing on the left, but his reliance on his right foot has contributed to a lack of balance in the side.
While Saka has experience playing at left-back in the past, the Arsenal starboy made it clear that he trusts England manager Gareth Southgate to make the right decision for the team.
“I think we should trust Gareth and leave the decision to him – yeah, believe in him and the team,” Saka stated.
The decision on Saka’s role will be crucial as England prepare to face Slovakia in the last-16 of Euro 2024, with Southgate under pressure to find the right balance in his starting lineup.
As the Three Lions continue their quest for European glory, the talented winger’s preference to remain in his natural position on the right flank could be a key factor in Southgate’s tactical considerations.
🔗 Source