The real reason I did what I did — Gareth Southgate

At the moment, there is no one that faces more pressure to deliver in the football stage than England coach, Gareth Southgate.

The England head coach due to the global image posed on the Three Lions, has seen more criticism dropped on his shoulders at every turn of each international game featuring the former World Champions. And with the Euros, the media aren’t ready to let him be.

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Of course, some of the criticisms were warranted, given England’s poor form on the international stage and so far in Euro 2024. Some of the criticisms have even led to the England boss tweaking things especially when it regards Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka.

Following England’s 0-0 draw in their last match of the group stage against Slovenia, calls roared from English pundits to Gareth Southgate to switch the position of Saka in order to allow better forward passes from the defence and utilize the skillset of Chelsea winger, Cole Palmer.

Of course, there were those wary of such suggestions, and at first, Southgate himself took some cautions before conceding to the idea of playing Bukayo Saka at left-back in England’s eventual 2-1 win over Slovakia.

However, Gareth Southgate has revealed the real reason he tweaked play and changed the Arsenal forward’s position in the 2-1 come back.

According to Southgate, the decision introduced an extra attacking outlet. While speaking with BBC Radio Five Live, he said:

“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.”

The introduction of Bukayo Saka at Left-Back was no strange one for the player who at one point played there for England.