When Bukayo Saka was coming through at Arsenal as a fresh-faced teenager, he was used at left-back on several occasions.
Not many would have thought that the very same player, who transformed into one of the best wingers in the world, would then be used as a left-back for England at Euro 2024 many years later.
Given England’s abject performances, many have been calling for Bukayo Saka to be deployed in a different role and they got their wish against Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate is pretty fortunate because England are lucky that they are into the last eight of Euro 2024 after being saved by a very late Jude Bellingham goal and a Harry Kane winner.
Saka proceeded to play the entire match and, according to Lee Dixon, his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice told him ‘don’t worry about it’ as he was being prepared for that role.
There were a number of heavy challenges during the game and Kieran Trippier received one that ended his game after 66 minutes.
That saw Chelsea’s Cole Palmer come onto the pitch, with Saka then being deployed as a left-back.
Former Arsenal man Dixon suggested that Saka ‘wasn’t happy’ about having to play that role, but he did it anyway, as he told ITV Sport.
England’s narrow 2-1 win over Slovakia went to extra-time and Arsenal’s versatile star was then pushed further forward with Ezri Konsa being used at left-back.
Bukayo Saka plays at left-back for England v Slovakia at Euro 2024
“It looks like Declan Rice is having a word with Saka as if to say ‘don’t worry about it’,” said Dixon.
“Needs must, but I am not sure he is very happy about it.”
Is Bukayo Saka’s England spot under threat?
Southgate doesn’t like to make many changes. That was proven against Slovakia.
England were heading out, yet Palmer was the only change and that was forced. And then Ivan Toney came on in the 93rd minute. If they were knocked out, that would have been one of the things the manager would have been battered for.
READ MORE: Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to £40m Euros star
Yes, the Brentford man played a part in the Kane winner, but this has nothing to do with Southgate’s genius tactical change, in fact, it’s the complete opposite.
All in all, in every game England play, fans clamour for changes to be made and it now seems as though Saka could find his starting position under threat.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
