Gareth Southgate has been told to make a positional change for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka tonight for England’s Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia.
The Three Lions face a huge test later today in Germany with the home nation aiming to finish top of their group after a disappointing Euros campaign, with Saka and fellow Arsenal star Declan Rice starting both games so far this summer.
With the pair expected to retain their places in the starting XI, Saka and Rice are arguably two players in the England system who do not need any tinkering with, with the 22-year-old winger impressing against Serbia in the group opener.
Yet former England international Tony Cottee has now put forward a quite ridiculous idea.
England urged to play Arsenal attacker Saka at left-back
Taking to Twitter, the former West Ham striker made the bold and outrageous suggestion that Saka should star at left-back, a position the Arsenal youngster played a handful of times during his breakout season with the Gunners.
With Saka arguably England’s most consistent attacker alongside Harry Kane, the suggestion that the forward should be sacrificed to play at left-back due to Kieran Tripper’s poor performances in the position are nothing short of obscene.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
Indeed, whilst Southgate can be rightly criticised for some of the decisions made at the Euros, one thing the England manager has got right is his utilisation of Saka, who has been impressive despite the Three Lions’ overall form.
As a result, the idea of playing Saka out of position and in defence is nothing short of crazy, with the Arsenal man arguably the player who make things happen for England tonight when they take on Slovenia.
Saka can be the dangerman for England tonight vs Slovenia
Saka’s goal contribution numbers for England has been nothing short of remarkable in recent months, with the Arsenal star easily one of the most dangerous players the Three Lions have in their squad at this summer’s Euros.
And Saka will want to prove tonight against Slovenia that he has the quality to cause some real damage for England, where a convincing win is needed if the media and the public are to have their heads turned on what Southgate can do.
England’s Euros could be defined by what happens tonight, and if Saka turns up, the Three Lions could be in for a historic knockout stages with the Arsenal man leading the charge down the wing.
Arsenal winners and losers at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed the first few days of the European Championships. With Arsenal players such as Kai Havertz and Kieran Tierney experiencing mixed starts to the tournament, the pair assessed which Gunners were the winners and losers from the group stages so far.
There was some talk about transfers based off the Euros, with Arsenal-linked Amadou Onana’s display for Belgium discussed, whilst Leandro Trossard’s poor performance was analysed, and Bukayo Saka’s sensational England showing lauded.