Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to deploy Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as a left full-back to accommodate Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Following a breakthrough season where he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year, Cole Palmer, who scored or assisted more than 30 goals, has seen fewer chances at Euro 2024. England is spoiled for options in attacking positions, with Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham all ahead of him.
The 22-year-old attacker needed just 19 minutes to remind the world of his talents during England’s goalless draw against Slovakia. Despite Kieran Trippier being preferred at left-back, Ian Wright has suggested deploying Bukayo Saka in that position to accommodate Palmer.
“As great as Saka has done for England in terms of what he creates and his goals and assists, he is a natural left-sided player. He started playing for England on the left at youth level; he started at Arsenal on the left. If that’s going to give you the balance and gets you Cole Palmer in the team, it’s something you have to at least look at,” Wright said.
“Yes, Kyle Walker can play there [at left-back], but it’s the same situation where you have the player coming inside, with no one going around. Saka’s a natural left-footer; we could activate the whole left side.”
Palmer will hope to force his way into the side on Sunday.
Despite struggling to get the win, England ended with 5 points to top Group C, while Slovenia qualified second.
