The majority of calls from England fans since the start of Euro 2020 have revolved around the talented harvest of youngsters at Gareth Southgate’s disposal, with a lot of Three Lions fanbase calling for starlets in their squad to have more playing time.
Borussia Dortmund duo Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho are just two of the players that England fans are desperate to see more of, and the pair have a total of just 37 minutes so far this tournament.
Jamal Musiala represented England at the youth level / Alex Livesey – Danehouse / Getty Images
Well, we have good news and bad news for the aforementioned fans; the good news is that there is a youngster doing his trade in the Bundesliga who came through the England youth squad who is likely to play in some capacity on Tuesday. The bad news is that it’s neither Bellingham nor Sancho.
Jamal Musiala made his first appearance at Euro 2020 against Hungary on Wednesday night and then became the younger player to ever play for Germany in a major international tournament.
Joachim Low ran over the teenager when asked about his performance after the match and complimented his confident attitude to the competition and his work frequency from the ball.
Had Musiala been included in the final minutes of Germany’s final group game after they had already qualified, you would be forgiven for thinking Low was simply offering the youngster some experience and his introduction to the game was a symbolic gesture.
However, Die Mannschaft’s place at Euro 2020 hung in the balance when the 18-year-old was given ten minutes to play, where Germany needed a goal to avoid being knocked out of the European Championships in the group stage for only the second time in their history.
When he called for Musiala, Low apparently has a lot of confidence in the Bayern Munich man, and his faith was massively repaid because he produced an incredibly mature show and Germany put in a late equalizer to take them through the 16s.
Given that Musiala has proved to be worthy and that he has confidence in his manager, it is likely that he will play a role in Germany’s clash with England at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, and England fans who have been affected by years of heartache can probably already feel dreaded story that could play out.
Jamal Musiala likes Gergo Lovrencsics / Matthias Hangst / Getty Images
As if it would not be bad enough to be beaten by Germany in an international tournament, a player who actually played for England at the youth level would play a big role in their recent failure – talk about rubbing salt in the wound.
Southgate have been paralyzed for their decision to stick with two holding midfielders during Euro 2020, but if Musiala gets a start or even comes off the bench at Wembley, two anchor men will be the absolute least England need on the pitch.
The Bayern man’s ability to glide past players as if they’re not even there and find space in cramped areas makes him a nightmare to defend against, and the thought of him running on Harry Maguire and John Stones is honest enough to give you sleepless nights .
As Low avoided with his comments after the match after the draw against Hungary, even at the age of 18 it is clear that Musiala has a mature head on his shoulders and he is aware that in order to make it a team like Germany he must offer much more than just beautiful football around the edge of the box.
Jamal Musiala in action for Germany / Lars Baron / Getty Images
His performance in their last Group F clash was full of running and energy, and in the ten minutes he was on the pitch, he completed as many challenges as center-back Antonio Rudiger managed in a full 90 minutes.
Given his work ethic and ability with the ball at his feet, Musiala could be a key player for Low on Tuesday, as he will be able to make an attacking threat as well as assist in defense if Southgate chooses to start similar to Mason Mount or Jack Grealish in midfield.
It’s almost painful to say, but the man who used to wear an England shirt at youth level could plan their downfall, and Southgate’s side will have to be at their best to cancel Musiala’s talents if he appears at Wembley.
