Bukayo Saka has got his first start in Euro 2020 in England’s last group game against the Czech Republic.
Gareth Southgate has praised the Arsenal star in the past and he has now been rewarded for an excellent season.
Saka’s inclusion is one of three changes Southgate have made from the Three Lions team that fell to a disappointing 0-0 draw with Scotland on Friday. His decision was complicated by the news that Mason Mount – who has started both England games so far – and Ben Chilwell would need to isolate themselves after coming into contact with Chelsea team-mate Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Mount has been replaced by Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish. The popular Grealish will be reunited in the middle of the park by Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, with Southgate clearly unmoved by calls to release one of the holding midfielders.
Meanwhile, Saka has been brought in to replace Phil Foden, who has started England’s first two matches in a right forward position. It is a role that the versatile player shone in when he played for Arsenal last season. During his 22 career matches from the right so far, Saka has succeeded with six goals and six assists.
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• Bukayo Saka • Arsenal • English • 19 years old
Seamlessly integrated into the first group and became the most important player at the club in about a year. ?
Welcome to Our 21, @ BukayoSaka87 ???????
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) June 6, 2021
This includes a fantastic display in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Slavia Prague, in what was the second part of the pair’s Europa League quarterfinals.
The last change that Southgate has made before the match in the Czech Republic is the introduction of Harry Maguire in midfield. His inclusion comes at the expense of Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings who have done well in the tournament so far.
However, there is no place in the lineup for Jadon Sancho. The Borussia Dortmund man finished the season strongly but is not yet in Euro 2020.
