'Not the solution' - Bukayo Saka issues brutal response to Gareth Southgate question

Bukayo Saka has rejected suggestions he could start at left back for England at Euro 2024.

The 22-year-old has started every game for England at the tournament this summer, but former Arsenal man Ian Wright said earlier in the week that Gareth Southgate should consider Saka as an option at left-back.

"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," said Wright.

"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."

“You see what happened the other day when we lost to Iceland, if people don’t come out and speak against seeing [Bukayo] Saka in all the papers after playing 25 minutes – all of those headlines – if you don’t speak out, it’s on him, they are going for him.

“That’s the problem we have now, that’s what’s happening, that’s how they do it. I try to not say anything negative about the players, I try to do it constructively, because when they hear it from us, it almost gives those idiots out there the licence to come at players even more.”

England have received widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike for their underwhelming performances at Euro 2024, despite finishing their group unbeaten and progressing to the round-of-16.

However, when speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Saka issued a strong response to suggestions he could start at left back.

Saka said: “Obviously, I love Ian Wright, he says so many great things about me, but I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution.

“But at the end of the day, we can talk about this, but it is in Gareth’s hands and we just all have to trust whatever Gareth selects on the day.”

Southgate is likely to make changes for England's match against Slovakia on Sunday, with Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon both pushing for a starting spot after recent impressive cameo appearances.