England manager Gareth Southgate has now opened up about his decision to move Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka to left-back v Slovakia.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was named in the England starting XI as the national team scraped into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win over Slovakia after extra time.

Saka started the match in his preferred position on the right flank. Under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, the 22-year-old has long since established himself as one of the best right-wingers in the Premier League.

However, like all of his international teammates, the Hale End academy graduate was far from his best last night, in the first half especially. The Three Lions were deservedly 1-0 down by the break, and had offered no real attacking threat whatsoever.

However, salvation came in the dying seconds of normal time. A spectacular overhead kick from Jude Bellingham in the 95th minute sent the game to extra-time. It was England’s first shot on target of the match. Harry Kane then popped up with a winner in extra-time. 

Saka was still on the pitch for both of those goals, but was not playing as part of the frontline of the attack. Around the hour mark, after an injury to Kieran Trippier, the Arsenal man was moved to left-back in order to accommodate the introduction of Cole Palmer.

Prior to this match, Arsenal legend Ian Wright had suggested that Southgate ought to consider using Saka at left-back. The former striker was criticised by some for this take, but may well be feeling vindicated now.

Gareth Southgate explains switching Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to left-back as England beat Slovakia

Southgate will also be feeling somewhat vindicated this morning. Whilst he will be the first to admit that his side need to improve if they are to stand any chance of winning Euro 2024, he has at least guided them this far.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the final whistle, the manager explained the thought process behind moving Saka into the backline: “We felt that Bukayo at left-back gave us an extra attacking outlet. It is a good option to have. I have to say the courage shown by the players was fantastic tonight.”

Will England use Saka at left-back again?

Whilst former Arsenal right-back Lee Dixon didn’t think Saka himself appreciated the reshuffle, this is now very much an option that exists for England.

Saka can play the role, albeit prior to last night he hadn’t done so for a long time. He would surely rather operate as a full-back for England rather than from the bench though.

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