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News
Report: What England’s coaching team are thinking about Bukayo Saka the day before they take on France
Gareth Southgate and England’s coaching staff think Bukayo Saka has a huge role to play in stopping Kylian Mbappe.
Writing in his weekly journalist Miguel Delaney said that Saka’s work rate will be crucial tomorrow night.
England are debating whether to go for a back four or a back five against the French and primary among their concerns will be stopping Mbappe.
Saka is diligent with his defensive work but crucially, is so quick on the break that he can cause problems down the France left if England get the ball back quickly.
Southgate ready to give Saka a huge role
The piece read: “On the day before France-England, Gareth Southgate and his staff were still deciding on final touches to the team.
“The main focus has naturally been Kylian Mbappe, who the coaches think is one of a rare band of players in the world who do require special attention.
“The debate earlier in the week was whether the side should adapt their formation for him, and perhaps return to a 3-4-3 so they can load up that side, or would that take away from England’s own strengths – especially in midfield.
“There is a feeling that Bukayo Saka can help balance this because he is so good tactically. If he plays on the right, with Kyle Walker behind him and Jordan Henderson shuttling over, it could possibly offer sufficient protection against Mbappe while also maintaining England’s structure and threat.
“Raheem Sterling arrived back in Doha on Friday morning, and was ready to take part in training that day.”
England will want to make France worry about them just as much as they want to stop them scoring at the other end.
Southgate has tried to make England hard to break down and they have three clean sheets from four World Cup games, with the only concessions coming after they were 4-0 up against Iran.
For as much talk as there has been about Mbappe this week, this is Saka’s first World Cup and he will be hoping to take it by storm.