Keown urges England boss Southgate to stick with 'fearless' Arsenal starlet Saka

Football
24 Jun 2021 • 7:37 AM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has urged Gareth Southgate to stick with Bukayo Saka for England's knockout round journey.

The 19-year-old was named man-of-the-match in the win over Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Keown said: "Saka was involved in the build-up to the opening goal, switching play from the right to the left before Jack Grealish crossed and Raheem Sterling scored. Those three together are game-controllers.

"They control their opponents with their movement and what they do on the ball. Their presence ensured England's No 9 Harry Kane could remain further up the pitch. Saka will come short, receive possession under pressure and then happily take the game to the opposition.

"He's fearless that way. Saka hasn't always remained in the Arsenal starting line-up when he should have. If England stand by 4-2-3-1 in the knockout stages, then I'd like to see Saka starting again.

"He's an outstanding attacker but also a fine defender. He's got bags of energy and has shown his versatility in being used as a wing-back as well as a forward under Gareth Southgate

"England's manager decided to rest Phil Foden against the Czechs and decided he wanted to stick with a left-footer on the right wing. Saka came in and took his chance to impress.

"The 19-year-old is mature beyond his years. The only time I think I've ever seen any signs of nerves in the teenager was on his England debut. That was probably when it all hit home - the magnitude of how far he'd come in such a short space of time.

"But now he knows he belongs at this level, having started for England at Euro 2020 and taken over the game with his talent."