England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed the real reason behind his decision to call up Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for the England Euros squad ahead of other experienced options.
The Three Lions boss’ initial 33-man list featured all of his options for the Euros and Saka was among them. However, almost everyone was convinced that the Gunners wonderkid would fail to make the final squad.
Southgate, however, surprised many people by including the young Englishman and he revealed the real reason behind his decision in his press conference yesterday.
Gareth Southgate: Bukayo Saka has performed exceptionally
He said, as per Football London: “Firstly, he’s performed exceptionally well for us and performed well in a team that’s had a difficult season.
“Sometimes young players can go into teams that are playing well and flourish. He’s gone into a team that have had a tough season and have really played with character and skill.
“Again, we saw when he had to come on in Belgium [last autumn] real personality in his performance. His adaptability, the fact he can play four or five different positions is a real plus for us.”
The Insider’s View:
Will Saka start every single game for England this summer? Probably not, but the experience he will gain by being in and around the squad will be massive for his career.
The young Englishman has had a stunning season for Arsenal. It won’t be wrong to say that he was our best player, and it is really good to see him getting the recognition that he deserves from the England boss.
The likes of Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish are all ahead of Saka, but the Arsenal man’s versatility gives Southgate a good headache. Hopefully, he can get a game or two to show the world what he’s all about in the coming weeks.
In other news, Romano says Arsenal have ‘no chance’ of signing ‘exceptional’ star this summer
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