Gareth Southgate warns he is prepared to go against a player’s wishes for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland
- England kept their Euro 2024 dreams alive in dramatic fashion against Slovakia on Sunday
- Incident in match could force Gareth Southgate to make unpopular decision
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: England fans’ battle cry – why it’s time to back Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate has revealed he is prepared to make an unpopular decision for his players when England take on Switzerland.
The Three Lions secured a place in the last eight against Slovakia in dramatic fashion on Sunday, despite once again failing to live up to their pre-tournament expectations.
Ivan Schranz’s first-half goal sealed a stunning defeat for England. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane eventually saw the team overturn a deficit, but concerns remain within the team.
To make matters worse, Southgate left-back Kieran Trippier was manhandled from the pitch in the hour and replaced by Cole Palmer.
Trippier’s injury seemed like the perfect opportunity for Luke Shaw to get his first minutes of the tournament.
Gareth Southgate has indicated he is prepared to go against a player’s wishes when England take on Switzerland
The England boss had to improvise after Kieran Trippier was knocked off injured against Slovakia
Southgate brought in Bukayo Saka to fill the left-back position, despite the Arsenal star previously expressing reservations about using the position
Southgate’s decision to look elsewhere for a replacement at left-back appears to be a damning indictment of the Man United star’s fitness as he continues to work his way back from injury.
The England boss instead opted to reshuffle his side, moving Bukayo Saka to the left side of defence, marking the first time England had featured a naturally left-footed player in the back line at the tournament.
Following the result, Southgate appeared satisfied with his contributions in the position, suggesting he would like to start the Arsenal winger there in the future, despite Saka’s well-publicized reservations.
“We felt Bukayo at left-back gave us an extra attacking outlet,” Southgate told Radio 5 Live after the 2-1 win.
“It’s a good option to have. I have to say the courage the players showed tonight was fantastic.”
Saka started his career on the left side of defence. The young Arsenal player broke into the club’s first team when then first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney was injured.
Since then, however, the 22-year-old has emerged as one of the world’s best right wingers, insisting last week that playing him at left-back is not the answer for England.
The Arsenal star further acknowledged that ‘it’s in Gareth’s hands and we all have to trust what he selects on the day’.
Speaking after England’s group stage draw against Slovenia, Ian Wright insisted that deploying Saka on the left could improve England’s balance.
Saka started his senior career on the left side of defence but recently stated that moving him there is not the solution to England’s problem
Luke Shaw is the only natural left-back in Southgate’s squad, but is still recovering from injury
“As much as Saka has done for England with what he creates, his goals and assists, he is a born left winger,” Wright said.
‘He started playing on the left for England at youth level, he started at Arsenal on the left. If that gives you the balance and you bring Cole Palmer into the team then that’s something you should at least look at.
“Yes, Kyle Walker can play there [at left-back], it’s the same situation where the player walks in and there’s no one around. He is a natural left-footer. Saka, we could activate the entire left side.”
