Arsenal: Bukayo Saka set for incredible England start vs Germany

If there were Arsenal fans who were proud of Bukayo Saka after his man of the match performance against Czech Republic on the final group game of England’s European Championships, then how do you describe this?

A display that woke the rest of the Premier League up, Saka was excellent on his first ever outing for England in a major tournament. Everyone who questioned Arsenal overhyping – you can’t blame them usually – realised the errors of their ways.

Forget the transfer window. Forget potential arrivals. Forget the expected departures. Bukayo Saka is set to start for England against Germany in the last 16 of the European Championships on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old starboy, still only a kid, is going to take on the might of the Germans at Wembley. He absolutely deserves it.

https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1409800250760499204

Arsenal: Bukayo Saka set for incredible England start vs Germany in European Championship last 16 clash at Wembley

As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Gareth Southgate is set to revert to a 3-4-3 system with Harry Kane leading the line and Raheem Sterling and Saka either side of the captain. Behind him it may well be Kieran Trippier at right wing-back and Kyle Walker at right centre-back.

Off the back of the greatest night of knockout football in the history of the game, England prepare for their ‘big one’ with a 19-year-old in their forward line. It’s just incredible.

Most remarkable of all, fans will likely be more nervous than Saka.

It would be inhuman to have no fears at all, but the Hale Ender never looks flustered or nervous: any occasion for Arsenal at any stadium produces the same high level of performance with absolute focus on the task at hand.

Outlined here were three reasons why he not only deserves to start, but why he should be starting against Germany. England will need his skillset, his fearlessness and his tactical flexibility to unlock Joachim Low’s side and reinforce their own backdoor.

Unless the Three Lions were hustling their way through the tournament up until now, it won’t be anything other than a struggle at Wembley.

Germany may have only hit top gear in one of their three matches so far in the competition, but it confirmed that they have it in them to obliterate sides. Joshua Kimmich is the most complete footballer on the planet. He alone should be enough to terrify most of Southgate’s side.

This match shouldn’t be about Saka. It won’t be. And come what may at the full-time whistle if his name isn’t etched across all the headlines it doesn’t change anything. This football club and its fans are all so glowingly proud of him regardless. This is just the first of many memorable days to come.

Nobody deserves the chance more than him. There is zero doubt he won’t be magnificent once again.