When Gareth Southgate announced his England squad for Euro 2020 earlier this month, many questioned why Bukayo Saka had been included.
The argument was that the 19-year-old had only been included for his versatility. Some saw this as a plus, but others saw this as evidence of his inability to nail down any one position.
With back-to-back man of the match appearances though Arsenal's player of the season has well and truly silenced the doubters.
After arguably putting in the Three Lions' best individual performance of the tournament in the 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic last week, the question now is not whether he should be in the squad, but whether he should be in the starting XI for the Round of 16 clash against Germany on Tuesday.
Having firmly established himself as a forward Saka faces plenty of competition for a starting spot for the fixture at Wembley from the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
But with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs, football.london takes a look at the reasons why Gareth Southgate should start the Arsenal youngster.
Germany's big threat
Despite criticism from many Joachim Low has chosen to set up his side up in a 3-5-2 formation throughout EURO 2020 so far and that is expected to continue against England on Tuesday.
As with most three at the back systems the role of the wing backs is absolutely crucial in Die Mannschaft's attempts to create goal scoring opportunities.
So far Germany have put in 49 crosses in just three matches as they look to utilise the attacking potential of Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens.
In their best performance of the tournament so far against Portugal it was Gosens in particular who was a massive threat, popping up with a goal and two assists.
Against England the Atalanta man is expected to be just as aggressive in his runs from deep, but this creates space in behind that someone with the pace and intelligence of Bukayo Saka could run in to.
The 19-year-old is so effective down the right wing that he may force Gosens back somewhat as well, nullifying one of Germany's biggest threats at Wembley.
Pace in behind
One of the most interesting things to notice Germany in this tournament so far is how vulnerable they have looked defensively when up against pace.
Kylian Mbappe in particular made Mats Hummels look like he was running with a parachute on his back during the opening game.
Perhaps Saka's biggest competition for a starting spot on the right wing on Tuesday afternoon will be Phil Foden who had started England's previous two games in that position before the match against Czech Republic.
While the Manchester City forward has many strengths, he is generally someone who will look to drop deep to receive the ball rather than turning and looking to go in behind.
With the space that we've already established is likely to be in the German defensive third due to the aggressive runs of Gosens, someone like Saka could be the perfect candidate to take advantage.
Harry Kane is also someone who likes to drop deep to receive the ball and despite their North London rivalries at club level, this could fit perfectly in to Saka's threat beyond him.
Slippery eel
One thing England can expect from their opponents at Wembley is that Germany will look to press high on the pitch.
Only the Netherlands and Portugal have won the ball back in the opposition half more times this tournament (as per Sky Sports).
To deal with this the Three Lions will need players who are comfortable receiving the ball under pressure to nip away from challenges.
This is something Saka excels in. In the aftermath of his man of the match performance against Austria in one the EURO 2020 warm up friendlies Gareth Southgate picked up on exactly that.
“I thought Bukayo right from the start linked the game really well," said the England manager.
"He received the ball well on the line and on the inside, he’s got a lovely ability to receive in traffic in the infield and manipulate his way through. He’s like a slippery eel getting away from those challenges."
If the England manager is willing to trust Arsenal's player of the season, the 19-year-old could be the man to help the Three Lions wriggle into the quarter finals.
