Southgate reveals why Super Eagles target Bukayo Saka was snubbed for England call-up

Despite the absence of a recognized left-back in the Three Lions squad, Southgate opted to leave out the Arsenal youngster.

Saka’s omission has generated a lot of debate, amid interest from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who are trying to lure him to play for the Super Eagles.

But Southgate told reporters: “He’s obviously with the Under-21s this time and I feel he’s more of an attacking player. I know he’s played at left-back and he’s given good contributions there in an attacking sense certainly,” Southgate was quoted as saying by Goal.com.

“At the moment left wing-back, left side higher up the pitch, I know he’s played in midfield and on the right as well but that they would be his better positions. He’s a very exciting player.

“We’ve taken our time with that but yeah Saka had a very good season with Arsenal, not in the team at the very end but really good season of progress and he’s a player (we’re) watching very closely.”

Saka, 18, scored four goals and laid on 12 assists in 38 appearances last season.