Despite England topping Group C, their performances have been lacklustre and criticism from the media and pundits plentiful.
England’s full-back issues have been a talking point for the whole tournament, now further exacerbated by Kieran Trippier‘s potential injury alongside Luke Shaw‘s ongoing recovery from a hamstring issue. While several players, including Saka himself, have been proposed as potential left-back options, the Arsenal winger remains unconvinced.
“I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution,” Saka said in response to calls for him to fill the role. The 22-year-old, who has established himself as one of Europe’s premier right-wingers, believes his talents are best utilised further up the pitch.
Saka’s stance adds to the ongoing debate surrounding England’s left-back conundrum. Manager Gareth Southgate faces a tough decision ahead of the last-16 clash with Slovakia, with limited options available to him. But it should be made clear, Saka is not refusing to play there if asked. “At the end of the day, I think we can talk about this,” Saka said, “but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”
Despite the mounting criticism of Southgate’s tactics and team selection, Saka voiced his support for the manager. He praised the positive environment Southgate has fostered within the squad, emphasising the importance of maintaining a happy and motivated group.
“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’,” Saka added.
“That is important because obviously even in the tournament 11 players play but it’s important that the whole squad is happy just for the morale of the group, to keep everyone involved and encouraging them so if you can have everyone happy, it makes it better.
“I would say football is just joy and happiness and when I get on the pitch everything, any problems, they are all just gone and I’m on the pitch having fun. I just love football.”
As England prepares for their knockout match on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, the left-back issue remains unresolved. While Saka has ruled himself out as a potential solution, Southgate must now decide whether to risk Trippier’s fitness, rush Shaw back, or opt for an alternative like Kyle Walker, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa or even Saka himself.
