"We could activate the whole left side" – Ian Wright says England must play attacker at left-back to start Cole Palmer and 'balance' team at Euro 2024

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has asserted that Bukayo Saka should play at left-back to make room for Cole Palmer in England's starting lineup at the UEFA Euro 2024.

Earlier on Tuesday (June 25), England secured top spot in Group C of the ongoing Euro 2024 after playing out a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in their final group contest. They finished their group-stage on a sub-par note with just two goals scored in the tournament so far.

Speaking to ITV, Wright claimed that England boss Gareth Southgate should try to move Saka to his backline in the Euro 2024 knockout stages. He said (h/t Metro):

"As great as Saka has done in terms of what he creates and his goals and assists, he is a natural left-sided player. 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."

Insisting that the Arsenal star could revitalize his team, Wright added:

"Yes, Kyle Walker can play there [at left-back], it's the same situation where you have the player coming inside, you have no one going around. He's a natural left-footer Saka, we could activate the whole left side."

Saka, who was replaced by Palmer in the 71st minute against Slovenia, started his Arsenal career under Mikel Arteta at left-back. He played in the Gunners' defence for the majority of the 2018-19 and the 2019-20 seasons before moving to the right offensive flank later on.

Gareth Southgate opines on Cole Palmer's cameo in England's latest Euro 2024 clash

At a post-game press conference, Gareth Southgate was queried to share his two cents on Cole Palmer's performance as a substitute in England's 0-0 draw against Slovenia. He said (h/t Metro):

"He showed what he's been showing in training. I think with him and Kobbie [Mainoo], we had in our mind to get them into the game tonight, they offer something different. In the end, we almost had a goal where [Anthony] Gordon, Mainoo, and Palmer connected and it was a super piece of play."

Palmer, 22, completed 12 of 12 passes and recorded one shot for the Three Lions in their final Group C match of the ongoing Euro 2024.

The Manchester City youth product scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 games across competitions for Chelsea last campaign.