Arsenal: Bukayo Saka to shine for England in Euro 2020 final

Football fans across the globe all witnessed Bukayo Saka’s great domestic season at Arsenal and were not surprised when he received the call up to the England Euro 2020 squad this summer.

What has surprised many is the impact Saka has had on this England team and the amount of playing time he’s had in big games, where he has been a player injecting energy and creativity onto the pitch, allowing Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane to prosper.

In a team loaded with world-class players, the 19-year-old star boy has found his way into the first team and, crucially, made those minutes count for England in vital Euro 2020 fixtures.

His pace and skill is what defies his game; he showed this in the semi-final against Denmark where his darting run was wonderfully found by Kane en route to providing a vital massive assist to tie the game before half-time. Saka continues to perform on the world stage and is not letting down the Gooners who adore him down. Nor the England fans. He never can.

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Arsenal: Bukayo Saka to shine for England in Euro 2020 final against Italy as Gareth Southgate looks likely to start 19-year-old at Wembley

It will be interesting to see whether England manager Gareth Southgate keeps Saka in the starting lineup or opts for Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho or Marcus Rashford in his stead. Foden wasn’t able to train on the Saturday after picking up a knock and based on Southgate’s continuity so far, the Hale Ender looks like getting the nod once more.

Either way, I am sure that we will see the star boy on the pitch at some point during the final, where he will continue to make history.

Saka is playing in these big-stakes games for a reason, as he is proving that he is one of the brightest up and coming talents in the world, raising his value and stock immensely by the minute. The world is taking notice to Arsenal’s Player of the Year. He really is that incredible.

He will be flowing with confidence and will look to unsettle the Italian backline all evening. Roberto Mancini’s defense consists of experienced, but not the quickest, central defenders, which Saka will eagerly look to exploit. Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are two of the best in the business but the former’s weakness is clear.

Look for him to drive at defenders and carry through the thirds in order to drag the Three Lions out of the expected stranglehold Jorginho and co will place on them. Without the ball he’ll make those darting runs to pull Emerson out of position and let bodies enter the half-spaces, giving his teammates greater room to operate.

This final is a game where Saka should and will excel in; a match where he could have a huge influence on England’s hopes of ending 55 years of agony. The London native has not disappointed us fans and I, like the rest, have absolute faith in him to continue shining bright.

Saka has gone from carrying Arsenal this season to being at the biggest stage of all, playing at the highest level alongside the world’s best players. He is a true inspiration to the Arsenal fanbase, has been a joy to watch, will continue to be a joy to watch and is a player we are proud to call our own.

Come on, Bukayo!