Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier continued at left-back for England against Slovenia, and once again it caused problems.
The 33-year-old is filling in for the injured Luke Shaw, with Gareth Southgate opting against taking another left-back to the Euros. Instead, he has asked Kieran Trippier to play out of position, with the Newcastle United player starting all three games so far.
After each of them, pundits have admitted that it is not really working. While Trippier is a great defender, his attacking talent disappears when he has to play on his weaker side.
That was a problem against Serbia and Denmark, and it was an issue that continued as England drew 0-0 with Slovenia to come top of their group.
Now the Three Lions have made it to the knockout stages, and will need to be much better if they are to go deep into the tournament.
Ian Wright suggests dropping Kieran Trippier from England XI
That might mean making the team more balanced, and pundit Ian Wright thinks he has the solution.
Speaking on ITV after England’s draw, Wright has suggested that there should be a change at left-back to accommodate Cole Palmer coming into the team.
“I saw a stat about Kieran Trippier being our second most productive player in terms of touches and passes,” he said.
“How are we going to get Palmer into the team if that is the case? With how naturally left-sided Saka is, maybe can you put Saka at left-back and put Palmer on the right. Simply because we need to get some balance and fluidity into the game.”
Wright later added: “As great as Saka has done for England with his goals and assists, he’s a natural left-sided player. He started playing for England and Arsenal at left-back. If that’s going to give the balance and get Cole Palmer in the team then it is something you have to look at.”
Swapping Trippier for Saka would be a shock
It is an interesting proposal from Wright, but it would be a massive surprise if Southgate opted to make that change.
It would be a huge risk, especially given how high the stakes will be when England compete in their next game. The Three Lions are already taking a risk by putting Trippier in at left-back, but at least he is a competent defender who offers solidity.
In contrast, Saka would provide natural width being a left-footer, but he is nowhere near as competent defensively as Trippier. And that is important, as England are going to start playing better teams in the knockouts.
But after his cameo on Tuesday, Southgate does need to find a way to get Palmer into the team. He did well off the bench, having replaced Saka with 20 minutes to go. That might be a better solution as a like-for-like change, rather than forcing another player to operate in an uncomfortable role.
Another Newcastle player is giving Gareth Southgate a selection dilemma
Southgate may also need to work out how to get Anthony Gordon in his team, after the Newcastle United winger impressed off the bench.
The 23-year-old created a couple of opportunities against Slovenia, despite only getting to play for five minutes. He did a lot with his five minutes, and proved he can be a difference-maker for England.
There is a lot for Southgate to consider as he prepares for the round of 16. Wright thinks he should remove Trippier from the XI, while every Toon fan wants Gordon to be included in the starting lineup.
Big decisions must be made regarding both Newcastle United players in the England squad.
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