Ian Wright wants new position for Arsenal star to ‘activate’ England attack at Euro 2024

Wright believes it could open up England’s attack in the knockout stages (Picture: ITV)

Cole Palmer should be included in the England team, according to Ian Wright, even if it means moving Bukayo Saka to left back to make room for the Chelsea player.

In their last Group C match on Tuesday night, England struggled to a goalless draw with Slovenia; this result was sufficient to guarantee them a spot in the knockout stages as the group champions.

While some players, like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Saka, failed to maintain their club form, Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon, and Palmer showed promise as substitutes and made an impact.

After 70 minutes, Palmer took Saka’s position, and Roy Keane, the former captain of Manchester United, said Southgate will now be “under huge pressure” to start the Chelsea player on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.

Ian Wright, a former striker for England and Arsenal, is also hoping to see Palmer start, but with Saka, Bellingham, and Foden still in the lineup, it will be difficult to decide who would start in place of them.

Luke Shaw, who hasn’t played a game of football since February, is another issue for England at left back since he is still out of shape after missing Sunday’s match. Despite not being a left-footed player by nature, Kieran Trippier has started the first two games in Germany in that position.

Saka played there early in his Arsenal career, thus he has experience filling that role at the junior level for England.

Saka struggled again (Picture: Allstar via Getty Images)

Wright also thinks that Saka switching positions may “activate” England’s left-wing assault.

Saka is a natural left-sided player, despite the fantastic things he has created, scored, and assisted for England.

‘At Arsenal, he began playing on the left, and he represented England in youth’. You should at least have a look at it whether it would provide you the balance and allow Cole Palmer to join the team.

Indeed, Kyle Walker is capable of playing at left back; the scenario remains the same with the player entering the field and nobody leaving. Since Saka is a natural left-footer, we could use his entire left side.

Palmer and Mainoo, who took Conor Gallagher’s place in midfield after halftime, will try to push their way into the starting lineup on Sunday.

“Cole and I are ready,” Mainoo declared to ITV. Like the other boys, we are prepared for our call of duty. We put a lot of effort into our training, and we take advantage of each opportunity to shine and support the squad.