Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, and More
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes a “crazy” decision by England manager Gareth Southgate has contributed to the Three Lions’ struggles at Euro 2024.
Heading into the Quarter-finals
Heading into the quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday evening, England have underperformed in Germany so far. They narrowly avoided a disappointing exit in the previous round, coming from behind to defeat Slovakia 2-1 with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
With Marc Guehi suspended and England lacking balance on the left flank, Southgate is expected to utilize a back three against Switzerland, featuring Ezri Konsa, John Stones, and Kyle Walker.
While Luke Shaw has returned to fitness, his prolonged absence means Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is likely to start as a left wing-back, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right.
Ian Wright’s Criticism
Wright, who had previously called for Saka to be used as a left-back, believes Southgate’s decision not to bring a backup for Luke Shaw was “crazy” and contributed to England’s struggles.
“It would be a shame,” Wright said. “I mentioned it previously because our manager… it’s so thick not to bring a back-up to Luke Shaw and it [Saka at left wing-back] was something that I mentioned as a solution.”
Despite his concerns, Wright has backed Saka to perform well in the defensive role, but he has criticized Southgate’s “crazy” decision-making.
“He’ll be okay! In the end, he ended up at right wing-back as well at one stage,” Wright claimed. “But what I am more concerned about is the fact that our manager didn’t bring a back-up which is just crazy and so that’s why that might have to happen.”
Wright’s Prediction
Looking ahead to the quarter-final, Wright has made a “harum-scarum” prediction, suggesting a close and exciting encounter.
“You know something? I was going to say 3-2 to us because I think they will score a couple,” Wright predicted. “I believe Phil [Foden] and Saka and [Jude] Bellingham… I believe that this is the time and this is where we can cause them problems. I think it’s going to be harum-scarum. I’ll go 2-1 because that’ll be just as exciting.”
As the Three Lions prepare to face Switzerland, the nation will be hoping that Southgate’s decisions and the players’ performances can propel England to further success in Euro 2024.
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