‘Can’t have this’: Michael Owen shares defiant verdict on Bukayo Saka incident for England

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Michael Owen has taken to Twitter to rubbish suggestions that Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was too young to take a penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out against Italy.

Saka stepped up for the Three Lions’ all-important fifth penalty to take the shoot-out to sudden death. But Azzurri shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied the 19-year-old, to seal victory for Roberto Mancini’s men.

Roy Keane seethed at Gareth Southgate and the senior England players for allowing Saka to take the penalty on ITV. The Manchester United icon argued: ‘You cannot let a shy 19-year-old go up in front of you,’ referring to the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish.

But Owen feels it is nonsensical to suggest it was wrong for Arsenal talent Saka to step up for England. Instead, the Three Lions legend suggests it was likely easier for the teenager to take the penalty given his age, as he was not burdened by previous horrors from the spot.

“So much to debate following Euro 2020, but I simply can’t have this ‘too young at 19’ theory to take a penalty,” Owen wrote. “In fact, if my experiences are anything to go by, it’s easier being young! Fearless, confident, no previous scars etc.”

Saka facing a test of character after Arsenal winger’s missed England penalty

It was certainly fearless of Arsenal sensation Saka to step up for England and take the penalty in the shoot-out. But he faces a test of character in how he responds to a similar call, now he has ‘previous scars’.

Saka was clearly heartbroken to have missed and for it to have cost England their chance at winning Euro 2020. That could weigh heavy on the shoulders of a young player, but Arsenal and England will make sure he’s supported.

Southgate has already told talkSPORT that Saka will ‘never be on his own as far as we’re concerned’. Arsenal also released a statement declaring they cannot wait for his return to north London. A comforting relief for a player in his situation, that can see he responds well.