BLANKENHAIN: Bukayo Saka says he is not the solution to England’s leftback conundrum. Gareth Southgate’s side have looked unbalanced throughout a Euro 2024 campaign which saw England top Group C despite three average performances.
Kieran Trippier has shifted over from rightback to start against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, but missed training on Thursday amid reports he is carrying a knock.
With Luke Shaw, the only recognised left -back in Southgate’s ranks, still working back to full fitness having been sidelined with a hamstring injury since February, the England manager may need someone else to step in.
Kyle Walker finished the goalless draw with Slovenia there and fellow defenders Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa have had spells at leftback for their clubs – while Saka started his England career in a similar position.
But the 22-year-old, who has since gone on to become on of the top players in Europe on the right wing, does not see himself as the answer.
“I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution,” he said after a number of pundits had called for Southgate to make the change.
“At the end of the day, I think we can talk about this but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”
Southgate has come in for particularly strong criticism following the dismal displays that saw England set up a last-16 clash with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen today.
He said after the Slovenia stalemate that he needed to make sure being in the England squad were still a “fun” experience and Saka backed the 53-year-old.
Asked if it was still enjoyable, Saka told BBC Radio 5Live: “Yes, 100%. I think he (Southgate) has created an amazing environment here.
“If you asked me and asked a lot of the players they would definitely say ‘I look forward to coming and every time I’m selected I’m buzzing and can’t wait to meet us with the boys’.” — dpa
