Paul Scholes tells pundits to 'p**s off' with brutal dig at Ian Wright for Bukayo Saka request
Paul Scholes doesn't agree with suggestions of putting Bukayo Saka at left-back
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Paul Scholes appears to have taken a dig at Ian Wright for suggesting Bukayo Saka could be the solution to England's troubles at left-back.
Gareth Southgate gambled by taking an injured Luke Shaw to Germany for Euro 2024 in the hope he would be fit later in the tournament.
But the Manchester United star suffered a setback last week and is yet to play any competitive minutes with England now entering the knockout stage.
Kieran Trippier has occupied the position so far, but there have been calls for Southgate to shake things up for the Slovakia game with England less than inspiring through the group stage.
Paul Scholes doesn't agree with suggestions of putting Bukayo Saka at left-back
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Several pundits have given their thoughts on what they feel Southgate should do and Scholes clearly had a few things he wanted to get off his chest based on what he was reading online.
Taking to Instagram earlier in the day, the United icon called for Mainoo to start with even more emphasis on Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham to take the game to Slovakia.
Scholes also responded angrily to some calling for Bellingham to be dropped back next to Declan Rice with Foden potentially taking the more advanced central role.
"P*** right off!" Scholes added.
And he appeared to take a dig at Wright for suggesting Saka could fill-in at left-back for England.
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."
Scholes didn't name Wright, but the ITV pundit said earlier in the tournament: "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."
Ian Wright noted that Bukayo Saka played left-back previously
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Saka started his career at Arsenal as a left-back before being pushed further forward where he was more effective.
He's not played as a full-back since 2021 and it's clearly a move Saka doesn't fancy making either.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Saka said 'putting me out of position' at left back would not be the solution for England.
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Bukayo Saka doesn't want to play left-back
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However, the Arsenal star accepted 'it’s in Gareth’s hands and we all have to trust what he selects on the day'.
Declan Rice's partner in midfield is likely to be the biggest selection for Southgate with reports indicating Kobbie Mainoo will be given the nod ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
Phil Foden has returned to training with the England squad after temporarily leaving to be with his family for the birth of his third child.