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Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka being deployed at left-back during the second half of England’s Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30) has enraged Gunners' fans on social media. Manager Gareth Southgate changed Saka’s position after the 23-year-old proved ineffective on the right wing for over an hour in another drab performance by the Three Lions.
England took on Slovakia in the Round of 16 in Gelsenkirchen for a quarter-final berth against Switzerland. The Three Lions came into the game having faced heavy criticism for their performances in the group stages - in which they scored just two goals in three games.
However, another uninspired performance saw Southgate’s men trail for much of the game against Slovakia. Ivan Schranz’s third goal of the tournament gave The Falcons a well-deserved lead in the 25th minute.
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With Saka unable to influence proceedings from the right wing, Southgate decided to bring on Cole Palmer for Kieran Trippier in the 66th minute. Palmer took Saka’s place in attack, with the Arsenal man replacing the Newcastle defender at left-back.
Saka started his career as a left-back, with a number of pundits - including Arsenal legend Ian Wright - calling for Southgate to use the 22-year-old in defense at Euro 2024.
Fans took note of the substitution, with many of them in disbelief over the change. Here are some of the best reactions from X:
“Saka lb my head is gone this is so funny, what on earth is he thinking,” a fan wrote.
“Saka at LB? Ian Wright what did you do,” another wrote.
“If I was Saka I would be throwing this match to the lions..Pundit Southgate decisions..hasn't got a brain of his own,” a fan posted.
“Saka i really at LB rn tf am i seeing,” another wrote.
“Saka LB? Is Southgate out of ideas or something?” a user wrote.
Jude Bellingham scores incredible overhead kick to keep England’s Euro 2024 hopes alive
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham lived up to his “big-game player” tag with an acrobatic finish in stoppage time to keep England alive against Slovakia in their Euro 2024 clash.
England trailed for much of the game in Gelsenkirchen after Slovakia took a deserved lead in the 25th minute through Ivan Schranz. The Three Lions were unable to create clear-cut chances, and did not have a shot on target until Bellingham’s spectacular equalizer in the 95th minute.
The goal came from a Kyle Walker throw-in into the box from the right, which was headed on by Marc Guehi towards Bellingham. The 2023 Golden Boy winner then finished with an overhead kick to send the English fans into raptures and force extra time.
