Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and England teammate Jude Bellingham are the two current favourites to win the World Cup Young Player award ahead of Barcelona duo Gavi and Pedri. It comes after an ideal start to the tournament for both as part of a Three Lions squad that is starting to move up the gears in their play.
Saka and Bellingham both played instrumental parts in their nation's round of 16 tie against Senegal, where the African champions looked to half their progression. For the first 30 minutes, they managed to do just that, but once the game swung in favour of England, it didn't turn back.
Bellingham's ball across the box teed up Jordan Henderson to give them the lead before his mazy run setup a second for Harry Kane just before the break. Saka then firmly put the game out of sight as Phil Foden's cross was emphatically smashed home by the Hale End academy star.
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While Bellingham has been an option to start throughout the tournament, there were more questions over Saka after the brace scored by Marcus Rashford the previous game against Wales. Gareth Southgate stuck with the Arsenal man and was vindicated in his decision to do so.
"He [Saka] was excellent in our first two matches," The England boss told ITV before the clash with Senegal. "We thought Marcus [Rashford] was very good and it’s good to have him to come on as the game opens up so we’ve of course got an embarrassment of riches in that area of the pitch. We’re delighted with Bukayo’s performances and we think Phil and him deserve their opportunity."
With the impressive performances come awards at the end of the tournament, with one being dedicated to the best young player on display. So far, Bellingham leads the way as Betvictor has him down as 2/1 favourite, with Saka second behind him at 9/4 on ahead of both Pedri (7/2) and Gavi (4/1) in third and fourth.
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