Gareth Southgate is poised to play Bukayo Saka in England’s World Cup round of 16 matches against Senegal today, leaving at least one of Marcus Rashford or Phil Foden out.
Bukayo Saka began on the right flank in England’s opening two campaign games, with Raheem Sterling on the left.
On the other hand, Southgate changed the two wingers for Rashford and Foden in England’s final group game against Wales, with both Mancunians scoring in the 3-0 triumph.
Despite coming off the bench in that game, it seems that Arsenal winger Saka is still on Southgate’s radar, with Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy reporting that the 21-year-old will start against Senegal.
“Despite all the talk of an unchanging lineup, Saka is expected to start,” Reddy stated. “As a result, one of Phil Foden or Marcus Rashford is anticipated to miss out.”
“The fact that Saka was rested in the previous game may indicate that this was always planned.”
“That raises the question of what Southgate will do in other areas of the attack.” Rashford is direct, but Foden’s elegance and dynamism on the ball were on display against Wales.
“However, I doubt there will be many objections over Saka’s selection. Southgate also trusts Raheem Sterling, and Southgate has never begun a knockout game without him; the Sterling-Kane combination has been one of his management’s bedrocks.”
All of England’s wing possibilities have played and scored thus far in the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign, giving Southgate much to think about ahead of the Senegal encounter.
There have even been suggestions to bench striker and captain Harry Kane, who has yet to score in the campaign.
With Saka already scoring a brace against Iran in this tournament, Southgate believes the youthful winger can help England advance to the next round.
