Gareth Southgate Marvels At Bukayo Saka’s Tactical Flexibility

By The Editor
on 11th July 2024

Southgate praises Saka’s tactical nous…

England boss Gareth Southgate marvelled at the tactical flexibility displayed by Bukayo Saka during Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands as the Three Lions booked their place in the final.

Saka, who was listed on the team sheet as a right-wing back, covered almost every blade of grass on the right and was given multiple tactical responsibilities.

The 22-year-old was tasked to tuck-in as a fifth defender out of possession in the first-half as he and Kyle Walker kept Cody Gakpo quiet.

However, following an early change by Ronald Koeman after Memphis Depay sustained an injury, the Netherlands added an extra midfielder to combat England’s first-half dominance.

It required a shift from the Three Lions out of possession as Saka tucked into central-midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice.

“We were fluid in formation, Bukayo did a brilliant job,” Southgate said in his post-match press conference.

“People like Bukayo Saka, the defensive responsibility he had. He started defending as a wing-back, then he had to go into midfield to defend, then he had to defend as a winger, there was so many things like that going on all night but I was very impressed.”

While Saka’s defensive work was impressive against the Dutch, he will have his work cut out against Spain with Nico Williams on the left flank.

Southgate must make sure that England return to a regular back-four and task Walker to handle Williams, allowing Saka to focus on creating problems for the Spanish at the other end.