Bukayo Saka says playing him out of position is not the answer to England’s left-side problems at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old plays on the right of England’s attack, despite being left-footed and having come through the Arsenal Academy where he began his career as a left-back.
Bukayo Saka responds to the suggestion he could play left-back for England against Slovakia 👇#BBCFootball #EURO2024 #England pic.twitter.com/3t1Qo0T539
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) June 28, 2024
TV pundit and former England and Arsenal forward Ian Wright led calls for Saka to revert to the opposite side of the pitch, potentially as a left wing back, given Luke Shaw’s injury problems and the lack of natural width afforded by Phil Foden, who is more accustomed to a central role at Man City.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of Sunday’s Round of 16 clash against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen, Saka admitted: “Obviously I love Ian Wright – he says so many great things about me, but I don’t think putting me out of position was the solution.
“It’s in Gareth’s hands and we all just have to trust whatever Gareth selects on the day.”
Saka also reflected on the changing role of the winger in the game, agreeing that gone is the era when a few dribbles to get the crowd on their feet was the marker of a good game.
“I think the role of a modern winger, I think you’re asked to do a job attacking and defensively, but I think at the end of the day, now in this generation, you’re judged a lot more on your goals and assists and contribution on that side.
“I think before it was a bit less, but I think now you’re judged more on that,” he said.
Bukayo Saka – Group Stages, Euro 2024
Disrespected. pic.twitter.com/9lLasuMoDs
— CF Comps (@CF_Compss) June 28, 2024
Saka – who has scored 11 goals in 36 England appearances – insisted the squad were shutting out the noise when it comes to fan and media backlash against Gareth Southgate and his tactics, which has created what the manager called an ‘unusual environment.’
“I think for us it’s important what’s outside stays outside and what’s inside we discuss internally,” he said.
“I think we came into this tournament wanting to qualify first in the group and we’ve done that, so that’s job done.
“I think we leave the group stage behind now and now it’s time for the knockout stages – every game is massive. We’re just focused on Slovakia now and trying to win that game and go to the next round.”
Saka also claimed the players still have fun joining up with England thanks to Southgate’s influence.
“I think he’s created an amazing environment here,” he said. “If you ask me and if you ask a lot of the players, you’d definitely say I look forward to coming. Every time I’m selected, I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to meet up with the boys.
“It’s important because obviously 11 players play, but it’s important that the whole squad is happy. Just for the morale of the group and to keep everyone involved and encouraging everyone.
“If you can have everyone happy, it makes it better.”
