Teddy Sheringham has warned Gareth Southgate to abandon his experiment of deploying Bukayo Saka as a makeshift England left-back.
The Arsenal star has firmly established a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most devastating wingers and has twice been named the Three Lions Player of the Year.
Like many of his illustrious teammates Saka has endured a frustrating start to his Euro 2024 tournament.
Saka created the winner in England’s opening win against Serbia but has struggled to make a telling impact in England’s subsequent three matches.
With Cole Palmer piling on the pressure and desperate to start against Denmark on Saturday, Saka could again find himself in a more defensive role.
Kieran Trippier’s injury may well force him out, especially if Southgate is prepared to gamble on the fitness of Luke Shaw.
Saka featured at left-back during the closing stages of England’s comeback win over Slovakia last weekend and although his left-footedness gave his side a semblance of balance, Sheringham hopes that was a one-off last throw of the dice.
“I don’t think Bukayo Saka looked comfortable at left-back against Slovakia compared to how he was faring on the wing,’ Sheringham told Poker Sites.
‘He’s not exactly going to say to Gareth Southgate that he doesn’t want to play there or left wing-back if he gets asked to, but it’s not his ideal position.
‘This England team have been guilty of putting square pegs in round holes this tournament, like what they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
‘You can’t keep trying these things and expect to get away with it against the top teams.
‘Saka has not been firing on all cylinders yet throughout the tournament, but he’s still a very good player and it’s close between him and Cole Palmer over who should play on the right-hand side of the attack.’
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