Bukayo Saka was a slightly surprising selection for England against the Czech Republic last night.
Plenty might have expected Phil Foden to keep his place. The Manchester City man dropped out of the squad because he was on a booking, but Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were also options.
But Saka got the nod and repaid Gareth Southgate’s faith with a man of the match display in a much-improved England performance.
Now Southgate has a decision to make ahead of the last 16 clash at Wembley on Tuesday.
Raheem Sterling’s starting spot looks assured, given he’s scored both of England’s goals so far. Mason Mount and Jack Grealish will battle for the number ten spot.
That means it could be a straight fight between Foden and Saka on the right of midfield.
Saka’s performance last night was arguably better than anything Foden has served up so far this summer.
His energy and dynamism lifted England and he combined well with Sterling and Grealish.
And he could have a trump card up his sleeve.
Southgate has clearly prioritised defensive solidity so far, with England yet to concede a goal.
Saka has experience of playing at left-back and left wing-back, which came into play last night when he tracked back well and made a potentially goal-saving interception after Kyle Walker got dragged inside.
His intelligence, defensive discipline and diligence is very impressive, especially for someone who is just 19.
The choice between Foden and Saka might come down to fine margins and that’s the kind of thing which may swing the debate Saka’s way, especially with an elite opponent on the horizon in the next round.
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