Micah Richards has claimed that Ian Wright is all wrong about Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal legend’s recent comments on the winger.
The 22-year-old attacker has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in recent days, with Saka enduring one of his worst England performances to date against Slovenia, as the Three Lions drew 0-0 in their final group stage game.
Although England heads into the knockout stage of the Euros on the more favourable side of the bracket, confidence in Gareth Southgate actually guiding this squad to the final is low, with Wright suggesting that Saka should play at left-back to help solve one of the many issues.
Yet Richards has now challenged the Arsenal icon on his recent comments on Saka.
Richards dismisses Wright’s call for Saka to play at left-back
Speaking on the Rest is Football, Richards voiced his disapproval of Wright’s recent claim that Saka should be moved to left-back for England ahead of their round of 16 clash against Slovakia.
Having played in the role at the start of his career, Saka reprising his position at fullback could be one way to unlock England’s full potential, though Richards, as well as most Arsenal fans, is against the idea.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
Richards said on Wright’s recent comments on Saka: “I love Wrighty, I love his opinions, but I wouldn’t play Saka at left-back. I just think, again, we’re looking at fitting players in just to get them into the team. But then, you’ve got no balance in the team.
“Saka could play there, I think in terms of on the ball and overlapping and all that sort of thing, perfect. He’s strong, Saka, as well. He’s good in a duel. But, I just think, no, stick to your usual defenders. If you want to put Walker left-back, I would go with that and maybe Trent right-back. But no, I won’t put Saka left-back.”
Gareth Southgate has a big decision to make over Saka for England
Wright is hardly the only pundit to suggest that Saka should be dropped down to the left-back position, with Gary Neville also on the same team as the Arsenal legend, with Cole Palmer the favourite to replace the 22-year-old out on the right.
And heading into Sunday’s huge knockout clash with Slovakia, Southgate has a huge decision to make regarding Saka and how the Arsenal superstar is utilised for England at this stage of the Euros.
Indeed, Saka dropping into left-back could be what the Three Lions are missing to get the best out of the entire squad, and whilst the decision would be popular with Arsenal fans, the winger himself might accept that it could be needed if England are to win the competition.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.