Former Arsenal midfielder Liam Brady has backed Gunners’ youngster Bukayo Saka to have a huge impact on the upcoming European Championships after being named in the England squad.
The 19-year-old was revealed to be included in Gareth Southgate’s trimmed down squad ahead of the tournament on Tuesday to some surprise.
There were initial thoughts that he could have been amongst the seven players to be cut by Gareth Southgate. However, he now travels as the only Arsenal representative with the Three Lions at Euro 2020.
Saka’s last England cap came in November 2020 in a 4-0 victory against Iceland, the fourth appearance of his senior international career.
He heads into the tournament fresh off the back of an impressive personal season at the Emirates Stadium.
Amidst a disappointing campaign for the Gunners, he still managed to score seven goals and provided ten assists in all competitions.
It is this form that has seen Saka earn plaudits having not only been named in the England squad but also being nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
Now, Brady believes that he could replicate his club showings with England.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “It looks as if he was one of the last decisions Gareth Southgate had to make – and it could be a very important one.
“I have a feeling if he is to get a chance in these Euros he’ll give the manager something to think about.
“It might be that his first appearance will be as a substitute, but he’s the kind of kid that can come on for 20 minutes and make an impact and then perhaps make the position his own for the rest of the tournament.
“That wouldn’t surprise me if that happened.”
Saka will have a chance to stake his claim for a starting berth at the tournament with England set to play a pair of warm-up matches.
They play Austria tonight at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium before tackling Romania on Sunday.
