English TV presenter Jeff Stelling was perplexed to see Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka played as a wing-back in England’s clash against Italy yesterday (September 23).

The Three Lions lost a 1-0 at the San Siro, thanks to a brilliant goal from Giacomo Raspadori. As a result, England were relegated from the UEFA Nations League after failing to win any of their five games.

Manager Gareth Southgate started with a 3-4-3 formation against Italy. Nick Pope started in goal, with Harry Maguire, Eric Dier and Kyle Walker as centre-backs.

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham played in midfield, with Saka and Reece James playing as left and right wing-backs respectively. Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Phil Foden were the three players up front.

Ahead of the game, many, including Stelling, were surprised to see Saka playing as a wing-back. The 21-year-old has been the most effective playing as a right winger for Arsenal.

Stelling even tweeted that he felt sorry for the youngster:

“Ok not so good! I agree. Feel sorry for Bukayo Saka. Whats he doing as LWB ? It is a bit of a mess!”

Saka has scored one goal and provided four assists in eight games for Arsenal this season.

He was chosen as England’s 2021-22 Player of the Year earlier in the day. However, the experiment to play him as wingback didn’t work, and he was subbed off in the 72nd minute for Jack Grealish.

England will next take on Germany at the Wembley on Monday fSeptember 26)