Bukayo Saka backed to be England’s main man despite Euros penalty heartbreak
Bukayo Saka can be England's main man in Qatar, says Arsenal legend Lauren.
The Gunners ace is in the Three Lions squad following an excellent start to the season. The north Londoners are top of the Premier League and Saka has notched four goals and six assists in 14 top-flight games.
However, Southgate's squad is packed with top attacking talent and Saka, 21, will face stiff competition for a starting spot.
READ MORE: Daily Star writers predict World Cup with more heartbreak expected for England
It was Saka who had his decisive penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley last year. But Lauren reckons the young winger won't be defined by the high-profile incident.
âSaka started the season a little slow but he has been progressing well and is now reaching the level we know heâs capable of," he said. "If he can maintain this level, I have no doubt he will be a key player for England.
âWe are now miles away from the Euros and that penalty miss. He has scored against Liverpool and is full of confidence.
"Maybe at the start of this season it was something, but it is now not an issue for Saka."
Despite his relative youth, Saka has already racked up 155 Gunners appearances. The London-born lad has also now been capped 20 times for England.
Lauren, an Arsenal 'invincible' in 2004, insists Saka will only get better with time.
âSaka has many attributes," he added. "He understands the game and what I like about him is he doesnât rush his actions.
"He gets in those positions higher up the pitch to damage the opponent and only there he is entitled to do his tricks. He knows where and when he can dribble and that is important from a young lad. He can take players on and I believe he can keep progressing. Heâs a top player.â
- Lauren was speaking on behalf of 888sport. Head to 888sport for the latest sporting odds.
READ NEXT:
Fans 'know where the beer went' as FIFA boss admits trying for North Korea World Cup
Two thirds of football fans would prefer Premier League title over England World Cup win
Russian Millwall fans cheering on England at World Cup from Churchill's Pub in Moscow
Iran's top scorer has 19 more international goals than all England forwards combined