'He's not a defender!' - Gareth Southgate sent blunt warning over Bukayo Saka as England legend claims Arsenal star will become Switzerland's 'main target' if he plays left-back in Euro 2024 quarter-final

As England trailed by a goal against Slovakia in their round of 16 clash, Southgate began experimenting with the shape of his side as he brought on Chelsea's Cole Palmer in place of make-shift left-back Kieran Trippier. Subsequently, Saka moved to the left-flank to make space for Palmer and a shift to a three-man defence saw the Arsenal youngster play as a left wing-back. Reports have suggested that Saka could once again be deployed in that role against Switzerland - however, Arsenal legend David Seaman has warned Southgate against it.

Speaking to Betway, Seaman said: "I don’t like seeing Bukayo Saka playing at left-back. If I was the opposition, he would be my main target because he’s not a defender. If he starts at left-back, that gives teams a chance to really put him under pressure, and any decent coach will do that.

"Maybe he could play on the left side of midfield, but not at left-back because we need a defender there. The other question is whether you risk Luke Shaw in a quarter-final, because he hasn’t played in such a long time.

"I don’t see why Trippier has to change, unless it’s through injury. The back four has not really been the problem, and it’s not like the opposition have been getting down our left side. It was happening more against Kyle Walker on the other side.

"Marc Guehi is now suspended for the quarter-final and is also dealing with a shoulder injury. I think he has been really impressive, especially with how he reacted after receiving the booking that ruled him out.

"Ezri Konsa came on as a substitute against Slovakia, which shows who Gareth trusts in that position. I would imagine that will probably be the only difference with the team when we play Switzerland.

"Hopefully Konsa will be as effective as Guehi has been, and at least he’s now had some game time, so it won’t be brand new to him. It’s not a worry to me at all."

Saka himself had addressed the possibility of being shifted to left-back following the suggestions of Ian Wright. Saka said: "No, obviously I love Ian Wright. He says so many great things about me but I don't think putting me out of position was the solution. I think we can talk about this but it's in Gareth's hands and we just all have to trust whatever Gareth selects on the day."

Saka actually started his career as a left-back when he made his Arsenal debut before being transitioned into an inverted left-winger for the Gunners, a position that has seen him become one of the best players in the Premier League.

The Three Lions will hope that their comeback win against Slovakia will inspire a turn in performance as they take on an in-form Switzerland side in the quarter-final on July 6 at the Merkur-Spiel Arena.