Gareth Southgate could pick Ezri Konsa as a shock replacement for Kieran Trippier for England’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Slovakia.
Trippier has started all three of England’s Euros fixtures so far at left-back despite being right-footed. The Newcastle defender is understood to be struggling with a calf problem, leading the England manager to consider some changes ahead of Sunday’s first knockout fixture.
Trippier trained separately from the main group on Friday, with the FA confirming that his individual workload was being managed. And with the 33-year-old’s fitness still in doubt, Sky Sports claim Southgate has earmarked Konsa as his replacement.
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Konsa is primarily a central defender for Aston Villa. His inclusion would come as a surprise given he is yet to play a single minute in Germany and, according to Transfermarkt, has never played at left-back.
The position has proven a constant headache for Southgate throughout the tournament. Having snubbed Ben Chilwell, an injured Luke Shaw was the only natural left-back selected in his 26-man squad.
Shaw has only just returned to full training, meaning Slovakia may come too early for the Manchester United defender. Southgate does have other options at his disposal, however.
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Joe Gomez played in the position 19 times for Liverpool last season while the Three Lions boss also moved Kyle Walker there, away from his natural right-back berth, in the previous game against Slovenia. Yet neither are natural left-footers and would repeatedly have to cut inside.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has also offered his own advice to Southgate on how to tackle the problem. The pundit suggested that shifting Bukayo Saka to his former left-back position could be a viable solution.
Speaking after the dismal 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Wright said: “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.
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“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 himself has already shot down the idea, however, stating: “No, obviously I love Ian Wright and he says so many great things about me but I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution.
“But at the end of the day, I think we can talk about this but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”
Away from the left-back debate, Southgate is said to be pondering another tweak to the squad. Kobbie Mainoo, who impressed against Slovenia, could slot in alongside Declan Rice against Slovakia.