Bukayo Saka provided Gareth Southgate with a reminder on why he should be starting for England in future matches. The Arsenal youngster was left out of the starting XI for England’s opening Nations League match against Hungary.
The 20-year-old was introduced at half-time for the injured James Justin, and made an immediate impact for Three Lions. His mazy run gave a spark to the English attack which was missing throughout the match.
Despite ultimately being on the losing side, Saka’s 45-minute cameo highlighted why Southgate must start the promising youngster in future matches. Having him on the pitch from the first whistle would certainly increase England’s chances of securing a win.
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Saka came on against Hungary in the left-wing back position, which is a place on the pitch he hasn’t featured in since Mikel Arteta’s first year as Arsenal manager. Despite the long lay-off from being a wing-back, Saka still excelled and gave England the needed energy down the left-hand side.
Saka became the nation's sweetheart after his England heroics at EURO 2020 saw the country reach a major tournament final for the first time in over 50 years.
Despite the Arsenal man missing the decisive spot-kick in the final penalty shoot-out against Italy, he was still much adored after the tournament. He thrived in the competition, becoming a regular starter and having a major part to play for England’s equalising goal against Denmark in the semi-finals.
Since then, Saka went on to have an amazing season which landed him a nomination for the Premier League’s player and young player of the year award. This highlighted the quality of the youngster, and why it is pivotal that Southgate treats him with the same importance that Arteta does at Arsenal.
Whether he plays at left-wing back or on the right-hand side of midfield Saka dominates the role that is assigned to him. His excellent cameo against Hungary on Saturday evening should have provided Southgate with a reminder that he must be given a starting role for England.
