Football News: Saka Struggles at Euro 2024 as Walker Fails to Support Him
In the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament, England right-back Kyle Walker has been criticized for failing to provide adequate support to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, hampering the winger’s performance on the international stage.
According to former England defender Stuart Pearce, Saka is not being allowed to perform at his best due to Walker’s shortcomings. Saka, who scored 20 goals in 47 appearances for Arsenal last season, has struggled to make a sustained impact in England’s Euro 2024 campaign so far.
“I feel sorry for Saka,” Pearce said on talkSPORT. “Because – and I’ve mentioned it many times on commentary – Kyle Walker as a fullback is not helping this boy out. He’s got to do more for him. He really has. Because I like Saka, I think he’s an outstanding player. But unless you’ve got a distraction run from your fullback, your work is that much harder to try and get turned and face the opposition up.”
Saka and Walker have both started all four of England’s Euro 2024 games so far, but the winger has been substituted in all three of the group matches, unable to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Walker has come under heavy criticism for his performances, with talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham giving him just a three for his display against Slovakia.
England manager Gareth Southgate may consider making changes to his starting lineup for the quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday, live on talkSPORT. Pearce suggested that Saka could be the one sacrificed, with the impressive performances of Jarred Bowen, Eberechi Eze, and Cole Palmer off the bench potentially earning them a starting spot.
Southgate has faced criticism for his failure to utilize his substitutes effectively and get the best out of his team, which has often looked lacklustre and unconvincing in their Euro 2024 campaign so far. The England boss may need to find a way to unlock Saka’s full potential if the Three Lions are to progress further in the tournament.
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