Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has become a hot topic of conversation following England’s draw against Slovenia at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions went into the tournament in Germany as one of the favourites to win it. They have an incredible squad filled with outstanding players in almost every position.
However, England finished their Euro 2024 group stage with one win and two draws. They managed to score just once in three games, which is just shocking considering the attacking options they have.
Saka, who was England’s best player in their opening game, has now come under a bit of criticism after his performances in the last two fixtures.
Alan Shearer delivers verdict on Bukayo Saka’s place in England XI
England have been awful at Euro 2024 so far.
Yes, they’ve finished top of their group, but one win and one goal scored in three games is just embarrassing for a side with so much talent.
Gareth Southgate has a lot to think about ahead of England’s next game on Sunday, and he could be forced into making a few changes.
There have been many calls for Anthony Gordon to start for England, while some feel Kobbie Mainoo deserves a go too after his substitute appearance on Tuesday night.
Now, Saka’s position has become a hot topic of conversation.
Wayne Rooney suggested that the Arsenal man could be dropped by Southgate, while Jamie Carragher has also criticised Saka’s performances.
Now, Alan Shearer, who branded Saka as ‘outstanding‘ after the opening game, has claimed that he would drop the Arsenal number seven for Cole Palmer in England’s next game.
When asked if he would leave Saka out, Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast: “Possibly, yeah. I think Palmer did really well when he came on.
“I love Saka as a footballer, I think he’s a great footballer, great attitude, energy, skill, whatever you want… He did amazingly well for the first 30 minutes of the first game but hasn’t done a lot since.
“Palmer coming on in 20 minutes did really well, put a couple of good balls in. I love his attitude, I love his arrogance, I love all of that about him.”
READ MORE: Paul Merson has a theory why Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is struggling at Euro 2024
Is Saka the problem for England?
Saka was one of Arsenal’s best players in the 2023/24 season.
The Englishman scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions in what was a very impressive individual campaign.
For England at the Euros, Saka hasn’t been bad by any means, but things just aren’t clicking in attack for the Three Lions.
That’s down to Southgate’s tactics – not Saka or anyone else on the pitch. Even Lionel Messi would struggle in this system.
The England boss has the top scorers from Spain and Germany – Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane – at his disposal, while Saka and Phil Foden, who both scored over 20 goals for their respective clubs in 2023/24, are also playing.
They haven’t become bad players overnight – they’re just not being managed well, which is a big problem for England.
Dropping Saka or someone else in attack may seem like the right option now, but we don’t think anything will change unless Southgate starts playing to his attackers’ strengths.
