Arsene Wenger says that he is “not sure” that Jadon Sancho will retain his place in England‘s starting XI for their Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark on Wednesday.
Sancho was handed his first start of the tournament by Gareth Southgate for the quarter-final against Ukraine, and impressed with his direct running and ability to take on defenders.
He completed the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 victory in Rome.
The soon-to-be Manchester United winger’s only other appearance in the tournament came via a seven-minute cameo against Czech Republic in the group stage.
Wenger, speaking to beIN Sports, believes that Southgate knows 10 of the players that will start against Denmark.
He explained: “In the decision [Southgate] made before the European Championships, he had a long process of thinking because he learned a lot from the World Cup.
“I would say they look more stable defensively. Going forward, I think he still looks for the perfect solution.
“I’m not sure that Sancho will play in the semi-final, but he has 10 players he knows he will play.”
Wenger on Henderson & home advantage
Wenger also praised the impact that Jordan Henderson has had off the bench during the tournament.
The midfielder scored his first England goal against Ukraine. He headed the ball beyond the goalkeeper from a corner to make the scores 3-0.
And with the semi-final to be played at Wembley, Wenger thinks home advantage will make England “difficult to stop”.
“Personally, I like Henderson as well when he comes on because from deep midfield, he plays forward,” the former Arsenal manager said.
“I think he could be important in the semi-final.
“So [Southgate] has learned a lot about his players, he has learned himself a lot, and that comes good now.
“I’m convinced now that they will be difficult to stop. They go home to London, they play a semi-final at Wembley. It will be difficult to stop them to go through to the final.”
England’s semi-final tie against Denmark kicks off on July 7, with an 8pm kick-off.
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