Gary Neville told Sky Sports News (08/07/21 at 9:10 am) that he thinks Arsenal teenager, Bukayo Saka, will be dropped for England’s Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
The Three Lions will lock horns with the tactically brave and defensively intelligent Italian’s at Wembley, but Neville cannot see Saka in the XI even though the Arsenal man has been, apart from Raheem Sterling, ‘the best out of the lot’.
Saka, who started the semi-final win over Denmark, will want to maintain his place in the XI.
But Neville thinks the Arsenal youngster will be in for bad news this weekend and explained why he cannot see him starting.
“I did agree with bringing him back (for Denmark) because I thought he had been the liveliest of the forward players, alongside Raheem Sterling,” said Neville.
“I think Saka has been the best one out of the lot (Grealish, Sancho, Rashford and Foden). I am not sure he will start on Sunday.
“I am usually hopeless with predictions, in terms of working with Sky, but I don’t think he will play on Sunday. I think that might be too much for him.
“What he did (v Denmark) and the amount he has given in this tournament. I just think we will see somebody else – I think it could be a game for Rashford or Sancho.
“But I don’t think we will see Saka on Sunday. I might be completely wrong. I have been battered before for selections.”
From Gareth Southgate’s perspective, it would be harsh to drop Saka because he has been outstanding this tournament.
But then again, it was very harsh substituting the sub in Jack Grealish, which in the end, worked out because England went on to win.
Throughout this tournament, Southgate has made brave calls, after brave calls, and most importantly, he has got them right.
The most important of decision now awaits him as England look to win their first major tournament since 1966.
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