Jamie O'Hara urges England to make key change to team for quarter-final clash with Switzerland
Jamie O'Hara urges England to make key change to team for quarter-final clash with Switzerland
Jamie O'Hara says England's left-back issue needs addressing after another disappointing display from Gareth Southgate and his team.
England were saved by Jude Bellingham's last-gasp bicycle kick, which prevented the Three Lions from being eliminated from the tournament. Harry Kane then went on to score the winner against Slovakia, but it's the left-back spot that has O'Hara concerned.
Kieran Trippier once again started in that position on Sunday, but as a natural right-footer, the side was unbalanced, and Bukayo Saka later occupied the spot.
Talking to Grosvenor Sport, the former midfielder has called for a change ahead of the quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
“You could see that Kieran Trippier was killing England at left back and has been doing so all tournament,” O'Hara said.
“He’s constantly going backwards and it destroys any momentum they have with the ball. I feel sorry for him because he isn’t a left back. Against Slovakia I’d give him a three out of 10 – he just gives England nothing.
“I would start Bukayo Saka at left back. Luke Shaw clearly isn’t fit. If you play Joe Gomez there you have the same issue as Trippier – he’s just going to come inside and we’ll have no width. Truthfully, Saka on the right has been poor – he was non-existent against Slovakia. He hasn’t really made anything happen since he got that assist against Serbia, so you may as well play him at left back.
“It’s not ideal and it’s an emergency situation, but at least it keeps Saka on the pitch.”
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