"I am not really fussed about that" - Ian Wright hits back at Arsenal fans for criticizing him following comments on Bukayo Saka

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has hit back at Gooners who have criticized the pundit for his comments on Bukayo Saka. The 22-year-old winger is currently representing England at the ongoing Euro 2024 in Germany.

The Three Lions have struggled to impact the left flank of the pitch in recent games due to the absence of their only left-back in Luke Shaw. This has raised the issue of Bukayo Saka potentially playing at left-back, rather than his preferred right-wing forward role.

Ian Wright notably called for England head coach Gareth Southgate to utilize the Arsenal winger at left-back. This led to ire from the fans, and when asked about the criticism, the Gunners' legend responded (via TBR Football):

“Yeah, but I am not bothered about what they are saying. The fact is that I put a question to everybody about, well, now that we haven’t got a back-up left-back, we have got somebody who has played there, so then you ask the question."

"People can go that. I am not really fussed about that. The thing is I am more talking about getting that left side going, so if it’s Luke Shaw and he can do it, then it’s fine. If not, Gareth says he’s going to play Saka, then hopefully that will get it going.”

Bukayo Saka has been a vital player for the Three Lions, featuring in all their matches in the competition and helping them get to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Switzerland. He has started all four games, even completing the entire 120 minutes of play in their 2-1 win against Slovakia in the Round of 16.

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Arsenal legend questions Gareth Southgate taking England to Euro 2024 without backup left-back

Much of the conversation surrounding Bukayo Saka playing at left-back has been due to Gareth Southgate opting for only Luke Shaw when picking his squad.

The Manchester United defender has struggled with fitness through much of last season and he has remained unfit at the Euros. This has left Southgate with Kieran Trippier as backup but he pushed Saka into the position after substituting Trippier.

Arsenal icon Ian Wright revealed that he only raised Saka as an option for left-back as a solution to this, explaining on The Overlap (via Metro):

"It would be a shame. I mentioned it previously because our manager… it’s so thick not to bring a back-up to Luke Shaw and it [Saka at left wing-back] was something that I mentioned as a solution."

Bukayo Saka looks set to partake in England's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday (July 6). The Arsenal winger will be hoping he can impress, irrespective of the position he finds himself in.