Wayne Rooney tips Bukayo Saka to star for England at 2022 World Cup

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Wayne Rooney has tipped Bukayo Saka to play a big role for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the Arsenal star heading to Qatar in fantastic form.

Speaking to the Times, the all-time England goalscorer shared his opinion on Gareth Southgate’s attacking options for the competition, with Saka set to challenge Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling for a starting spot on the wings despite enjoying a great campaign so far with the Gunners.

Arsenal head into the World Cup break top of the Premier League by five points, with Saka’s form a key reason behind Mikel Arteta’s charge for a first league title in over 15 years. However, the 21-year-old winger’s spot in the England starting XI is far from confirmed.

Whilst Saka has scored and assisted more this season than his direct rival Sterling, Gareth Southgate is a manager who has clear favourites, a reason why the likes of Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson were selected despite better options being out there in the England player pool.

However, Rooney still has hopes for Saka at the World Cup, with the England legend claiming that Three Lions supporters won’t be angry if the Arsenal attacker was to start for Southgate during the group stage phase of the World Cup.

Rooney said: “Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though. He plays with no fear and we’ve been talking about players not being in club form, but he is the opposite: he has been in great form for Arsenal. They’re great options for Gareth and I think in different games he’ll change his team up. I don’t think anyone could complain about whichever one is chosen.”

Saka can bury Euro 2020 burden by starring for England at the World Cup

Saka has done seemingly everything possible at club level to rid the memory of the penalty miss at Euro 2020, and whilst Arsenal fans and most Premier League supporters have seemingly forgotten this moment, England’s most loyal followers will be expecting the winger to step up in Qatar.

Indeed, the attacker has been exceptional for Arsenal this season, and with Saka outpeforming the likes of Sterling, there’s a good chance the youngster could get the start for England at the World Cup, with the Three Lions one of the favourites to go all the way this November.