Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has responded to the Three Lions’ ex-players, including Gunners’ legend Ian Wright suggesting he should play at leftback for England.
Following England’s boring 0-0 against Slovenia in their final group game, the Arsenal winger has come under criticism with many suggesting Gareth Southgate gives Chelsea’s Cole Palmer a chance to start on the right flank ahead of Saka.
Wright’s suggestion
This opinion was also echoed by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville and Arsenal legend Ian Wright, suggesting Saka should be shifted to the left-back position to accomodate Palmer on the right flank.
“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, as per The Mirror.
“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,” the former Arsenal striker added.
Social media users have been critical of both Wright and Neville for making the proposal, and Bukayo Saka doesn’t appear to be a fan either.
What Bukayo Saka said
When Wright’s suggestion was presented to him, the Arsenal player said it wouldn’t be the greatest choice. Wright was speaking to BBC Radio Five Live before of England’s match against Slovakia in the round of 16.
“Obviously, I love Ian Wright, he says so many great things about me, but I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution. But at the end of the day, we can talk about this, but it is in Gareth’s hands and we just all have to trust whatever Gareth selects on the day,” Saka said.
