According to Stan Collymore, England ought to have one other take a look at their squad if Bukayo Saka will be named as their Player of the Year.
THE LOWDOWN: ENGLAND’S STRUGGLES
England are enduring their worst run of type in a long time, having not tasted victory in 5 matches. Their newest defeat – a 1-0 setback to Italy in Milan – noticed them relegated to Pool B of the Nations League. It additionally means they’re but to attain a aim from open play in over 400 minutes of football.
The duo of Declan Rice and Harry Kane have each come out to defend their aspect. Under-fire supervisor Gareth Southgate has additionally expressed his disappointment however insists he stays the most effective man for the job. And all three males declare England ought to solely be judged after the World Cup and never earlier than it.
However, it’s fairly clear that the Three Lions are punching under their weight for the time being.
One man who did battle in Friday’s defeat was Saka. He was requested to play in an unfamilar left wing-back function; fairly the ask having carried out on Arsenal’s right-wing so efficiently for thus lengthy.
Just earlier than the sport, Saka was named England’s Player of the Year. He scored 3 times in qualifying for the World Cup.
Indeed, that may be a optimistic for Saka however Collymore suggests it a trigger for alarm to see the Arsenal man declare such an award, regardless of his type.
THE LATEST: COLLYMORE EXPRESSES WORRY
Writing in his Sunday People column, Collymore suggests Saka has solely been common for England.
“Bukayo Saka is a reasonable choice as England’s Player of the Year. His attitude and freshness round the camp have been welcome,” he mentioned.
“But, overall, the international performances from the Arsenal kid have been 6/10. For the player of the season to have been at that level going into a major tournament is a worry.”
THE VERDICT: BIASED COMMENTS
Admittedly, it’s a good level, given Saka and England‘s present type.
If the Arsenal man is to return to his greatest for the Three Lions although, he’ll should be deployed in his favoured right-wing place. It actually won’t occur at left wing-back and that experiment wants to finish instantly.
While Saka is worthy of a shirt in his favoured function, it does go away Southgate with a difficulty at left-back.
Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell proceed to battle for type and health, which means the England boss might flip to right-back Kieran Trippier to fill in there.