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Bukayo Saka backed to be England’s main man despite Euros penalty heartbreak

Dailystar.co.uk
Bukayo Saka backed to be England’s main man despite Euros penalty heartbreak

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.

“Saka started the season a little slow but he has been progressing well and is now reaching the level we know he’s capable of," he said. "If he can maintain this level, I have no doubt he will be a key player for England.

“We are now miles away from the Euros and that penalty miss. He has scored against Liverpool and is full of confidence.

Bukayo Saka has been in fine form for Arsenal this season (Image: GETTY)

"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.

Bukayo Saka missed his penalty as England were defeated in the Euro 2020 final by Italy (Image: GETTY)

“Saka has many attributes," he added. "He understands the game and what I like about him is he doesn’t 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. He’s a top player.”

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