Gabriel Agbonlahor has branded Rio Ferdinand’s suggestion about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka as ‘one of the most ridiculous things’ he has heard this season.
England return to action at Euro 2024 on Thursday. They face Denmark at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt in what could be a very tricky game.
The Three Lions won their opening fixture against Serbia. Saka was one of their best players in that game, and he is expected to start again.
However, there are a couple of injury worries in other areas of the pitch that could force Gareth Southgate to make some changes.
Ferdinand thought he had an idea to fix that issue, but Agbonlahor has dismissed his suggestion.
Gabriel Agbonlahor hits back at Rio Ferdinand’s suggestion about Bukayo Saka
England are one of the favourites to win Euro 2024.
Southgate has an incredible squad at his disposal, and if every single player performs at their highest level, they should be able to go all the way.
England, however, have a bit of a concern at left-back.
Luke Shaw hasn’t played a game since February and was unavailable for the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
Kieran Trippier started at left-back in that game, but the Newcastle United defender seemed to be in pain at the end of that fixture.
Southgate has since confirmed that Trippier was just struggling with cramp and should be fine for the game against Denmark (Shields Gazette), but what will England do if he doesn’t make it?
Ferdinand spoke about the above on FIVE, and the Manchester United legend claimed he would start Saka at left-back.
When asked if England would be in trouble if Shaw doesn’t get back to full fitness, Ferdinand said: “Yeah, if Shaw’s not fit then 100 per cent, we’re bang in trouble. We would have to put Saka at left-back. I’d play Saka at left-back then, I would.”
The pundit further explained his idea by saying: “Saka – If you ain’t got Shaw and you ain’t got Trippier, then I would play Saka at left-back. The way I’m saying is I’d play it where as soon as we get possession, you’re [Saka] a left winger.”
Agbonlahor heard this suggestion and immediately branded it as ‘ridiculous’.
He said on talkSPORT: “Don’t get me started! Honestly, don’t you dare! That’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve heard this season.
“Saka has got 27 goal contributions in 24 starts for England. He’s got three goals in the tournament games, got an assist in the last game. Why would you play one of our best right-wingers at left-back?
“Gomez is there to fill in, Gomez can play at left-back, he’s there to fill in. Why didn’t you take Branthwaite who could’ve filled in maybe?
“So, it’s your problem, Gareth, but don’t try and take one of the top attackers and put him left-back. No way!”
READ MORE: What Bukayo Saka did when he arrived at England’s Euro 2024 hotel that impressed Gareth Southgate
Should Southgate listen to Ferdinand?
Saka has played at left-back for Arsenal and England in the past – he is more than capable of filling in there.
However, in the game against Serbia, the Arsenal winger was England’s biggest threat going forward. He was a menace throughout the first half and was even involved in Jude Bellingham’s goal.
Ferdinand is entitled to share his opinion, but if Southgate decides to listen to him and play Saka at left-back, we think it would be a disastrous mistake.
Saka has 20 goals and provided 15 assists for Arsenal in all competitions last season. He is the best right-winger in the country, and moving him makes no sense at all.
If both Shaw and Trippier are ruled out, England can just use Joe Gomez at left-back. He was brilliant for Liverpool in that role in the 2023/24 season.