Jadon Sancho is expected to make way for Bukayo Saka for tonight’s Euro 2020 semifinal clash between England and Denmark.
Saka picked up a knock and so did not feature in England’s 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine, with Sancho taking his place.
But now, as the Arsenal attacker is fit and available for tonight’s game, Gareth Southgate has opted to bring him back into the starting XI, according to The Athletic.
Saka – whose recent pictures riding on top of an inflatable unicorn we just can’t get enough of here – made his first start in the competition when England faced the Czech Republic in their final group game.
In the group stage game, he earned the UEFA Man of the Match accolade after a glittering display in which he completed five dribbles.
And Saka’s form continued in England’s superb 2-0 win over Germany in the Round of 16.
His selection against Joachim Löw’s men meant the Arsenal winger is now one of only three teenagers to ever compete for the Three Lions in the knockout stage of a major international tournament – only has Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004 and Michael Owen in the 1998 World Cup featured at this point while still in their teen years.
And now, he’s back in contention with another start in England’s most important game since they faced Croatia in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup.
Alan Shearer praised the youngster, calling him England’s best player so far this tournament.
“England need more players like that. He’s been so brave, when someone’s marking him tightly he still wants the ball,” Shearer told BBC Sport.
“I think he’s been our best player.”
Southgate’s wealth of choice
Saka is one of several attacking starlets who have provided Gareth Southgate with a selection headache for this competition.
The 19-year-old as well as Sancho, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Raheem Sterling all fill positions on the wing (more capable on the left or the right to varying degrees) and though each one is highly talented, the England manager can only choose two.
It’s even more testament to Saka, then, that Southgate has so far has enjoyed the best success with Saka on the right with Sterling on the left, feeding in Harry Kane.
Featured image credit: Getty
