Bukayo Saka says playing him out of position is not the solution to England's left-back problems at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old plays on the right side of England's attack, although he is left-footed and came through the Arsenal Academy where he began his career as a left-back.
Bukayo Saka responds to the suggestion that he can play at left back for England when they face Slovakia 👇#BBCFootball #EURO2024 #Ngilandi pic.twitter.com/3t1Qo0T539
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) June 28, 2024
TV pundit and former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright has led calls for Saka to return to the other side of the pitch, possibly as a left wing-back, given Luke Shaw's injury problems and the lack of natural width offered by Phil Foden, who is up top. who is used to an important role in Man City.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of Sunday's round of 16 match against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen, Saka admitted: “Obviously I like Ian Wright – he says a lot of good things about me, but I'm not thinking of replacing me. it was the solution.
“It's in Gareth's hands and we all have to trust whatever Gareth chooses on the day.”
Saka also looked at the changing role of the defender in the game, and admitted that the time has passed when a few dribbles to get people up was a sign of a good game.
“I think the role of a modern midfielder, I think you're asked to do a job in attack and defence, but I think at the end of the day, now in this generation, you're judged a lot on your goals as well. it helps and contributes to the other side.
“I think before it was a little bit, but I think now you're being judged a lot 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 games – insisted the club had been keeping a low profile when it came to the fan and media backlash against Gareth Southgate and his tactics, which had created what the manager called a 'strange environment.'
“I think it is important for us that what is outside remains outside and what is inside is discussed inside,” he said.
“I think we came to this tournament wanting to enter the group first and we did that, it's job done.
“I think we've left behind now in the group stage and now it's time for the qualifiers – all the games are big. Now we are focused on Slovakia and trying to win that game to go to the next round.”
Saka also said that the players are still happy to join England because of Southgate's influence.
“I think you've created an amazing environment here,” he said. “If you ask me and if you ask many players, you will definitely say that I am looking forward to coming. Every time I'm selected, I'm buzzing and can't wait to meet the boys.
“It is important because it is obvious that there are 11 players playing, but it is important that the whole team is happy. With team behavior and keeping everyone involved and motivating everyone.
“If you can make everyone happy, it makes it better.”
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