Ian Wright makes radical call to dramatically change England starting XI
Ian Wright is confident switching Bukayo Saka to left-back can help transform England's fortunes and ignite their floundering attack.
England have endured a forgettable group phase thus phase, despite finishing top. They've only scored twice in their three games with the goalless stalemate against Slovenia further highlighting their issues in the final third.
Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice in attack, which has meant several talented players have been left on the bench and given limited minutes. Saka has started both games in the front three, but Wright believes pushing him back into the defensive line, where he began his career, could help unlock the attack.
He said on ITV: "As great as Saka has done for England 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 get you Cole Palmer in the team, it’s something you have to at least look at.
"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, Phil Foden and Harry Kane have been England's front three. The likes of Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins have all been given stints off the bench but Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, who is yet to start, admits their attack is not hitting the heights.
"I just think we can do so much better," he said. "That's the problem. We've got such good players. In training, we're so good every day. We do everything right. And then it's just not clicking. Hopefully, in the coming games, it will because we need to start really attacking teams and dominating games."
Bukayo Saka has struggled to replicate the form he shows at Arsenal
Kane, Foden and Jude Bellingham have all excelled for the clubs across three different leagues - but none of the trio have been able to fire thus fire in Germany. Bellingham and Kane have found the net, but England have lacked a spark in attack.
John Stones said on Tuesday night's performance: "I thought there was a lot of improvement from the other two games. We found people in the pockets and created more chances - another step in the right direction. I can get the fans' frustration, not taking chances, but that is football. It is never an easy game."
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