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- Paul Scholes took to Instagram to air his views about England’s midfield
- He took aim at Ian Wright for suggestion that Bukayo Saka could be left-back
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: All the reasons England fans have to be positive going into the last 16
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has taken aim at Ian Wright for his suggestion that Bukayo Saka could play left-back for England and told other pundits to ‘p**s off’.
Saka, a right winger for club and country, has played his usual position in every game of Euro 2024, but a problem area for the Three Lions is on the left side of defence, with right-footed Kieran Trippier playing on his unnatural flank.
Scholes did not name Wright explicitly in his Instagram story but it seemed obvious who he was referring to in addressing ‘Arsenal legends’.
He wrote: ‘Making me p**s these Arsenal legends trying to get Saka in at left-back because they’re afraid he’s going to be left out for Palmer.’
In his role as a pundit for ITV during the tournament, Wright had said: ‘With how naturally left-sided Saka is, could you maybe put Saka at left back, put Palmer on the right? Simply because we need to get some balance and fluidity in the game.’
Paul Scholes took aim at Ian Wright over his suggestion to move Bukayo Saka to left-back
The Man United legend took to Instagram to offer his opinion for the Slovakia game
Wright previously said Saka could move position to allow for Cole Palmer in the team
Saka had played at left-back before, much earlier in his career, and with Luke Shaw coming back from injury, England’s options are limited.
But Saka would be a huge risk out of position in a knockout game and it remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate would take an uncharacteristic gamble.
Scholes also had his say on the midfield, adding: ‘Mainoo will make you play, Foden and Bellingham will win you games, think forward and take less touches please Dec. (Rice) Laters.’
His dig at Rice is an interesting one and suggests he thinks the Arsenal man is being too ponderous on the ball and slowing down England’s attacks.
There’s a huge desire from fans and pundits alike to see the many talented players in the side finally ignite the campaign after struggling so far to find form.
England topped the group and find themselves on the supposedly easier side of the draw at after his impressive showing off the bench against Slovenia, Mainoo looks favourite to start in midfield against Slovakia on Sunday.
Scholes also has a word of advice for Declan Rice ahead of the last-16 game
Scholes would prefer Kobbie Mainoo (left) in central midfield over Jude Bellingham (right)
The Manchester United midfielder is clearly Scholes’ choice to partner Rice and selection has been a massive topic of conversation all tournament.
Scholes, who won 66 caps for England, shot down the idea of moving Bellingham back alongside Rice, writing: ‘Keep hearing drop Bellingham back next to Rice… p**s right off!’
Palmer’s superb showing, also from the bench, gives Southgate a headache but outside of ending his ‘experiment’ with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, the manager has been reluctant to make many alterations.
