England has made it – they are into the knockout stage. That is, off course, just a first small step which should end with winning the EURO 2024. The whole nation wants a repeat of the EURO 2020 finals, but with a win this time. However, after three poor showing in the group phase, so far, the only concern is to get over Slovakia in the first match of the elimination phase. Gareth Southgate’s team has a lot of problems, but the two most pressing are the position of left-back and the number 10. While many believe that Jude Bellingham should keep his place in the center of the field, Real Madrid midfielder’s form is totally questionable. Also, Phil Foden is not happy to play on the wing and wants the Number 10 place for himself. But, the left defensive side is even bigger problem.”I feel more comfortable on the right” – Bukayo Saka responds to Arsenal legend, Ian Wright’s suggestion of moving him to left back🗣️”I feel more comfortable on the right. I think that’s where I play best. A lot of the times, coming in on my stronger foot, being…. pic.twitter.com/mQy3ey3Zbw— Football Villa (@footievillaOG) June 28, 2024 Luke Shaw’s injuries are so big, that it’s quite astonishing that Southgate took him to EURO where he is still to play a single game and he won’t start against Slovakia either. So far, Kieran Tripier as a natural right foot player was forced to play as a left back in all three games but he has to change his foot every time he attacks and he also likes to gets inside, which was not welcomed by Foden and Rice. He is also playing with hamstring problem, so Southgate will finally decide to rest him against Slovakia.Been there, done that: Rooney is worried Jude could snap just like him in 2006So, who will start at left back? Arsenal’s legend Ian Wright has an idea. One player who is Gunners’ star at the moment and who used to play as a left-back back in his Academy days.“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. 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” said Wright.Paul Scholes. 👀 pic.twitter.com/IOqjiDM1sT— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) June 28, 2024 But it seems that Saka is not very happy with this idea and was quick to refuse this suggestion, even thou he appreciates the Arsenal legend.“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.I feel more comfortable on the right and I think that’s where I play best. A lot of the time it’s about coming in on my stronger foot, being able to link up with players, playing passes and taking shots – stuff like that. It’s when I’m at my best so that’s why I think it’s my best position” he replied.Jude ‘Zero’ Bellingham and Phil ‘one dribble’ FodenFormer England international Paul Scholes is also not fond of the idea. In fact, he didn’t mince words when he read Wright’s statement. Scholes, also a TV pundit, even thinks that this idea of playing Saka as a left back is only because Wright is afraid that Saka will lose his place to Cole Palmer.“Making me p**s these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left-back because they’re afraid he’s going to be left out for Palmer“ he wrote on Instagram. Who will then play left-back today? Maybe Ezri Konsa?EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – 1/8 FINALSSaturdaySwitzerland – Italy 2-0 (1-0)/Freuler 37, Vargas 46/Germany – Denmark 2-0 (0-0)/Havertz 53 pen, Musiala 68/Sunday19.00: (1.45) England (4.50) Slovakia (9.50)22.00: (1.25) Spain (6.50) Georgia (15.0)Monday19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)Tuesday19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)***odds are subject to change***
