The Euro 2020 final might be too big an occasion for Bakayo Saka, Gary Neville has said. He recently revealed that the youngster should make way for Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho vs Italy.
According to him, because more experience and direct running will be needed vs Italy, players like Sancho and Rashford have the legs that can deliver at such a big stage.
Neville added that he featured in Euro 1996 as a 21-year-old, and he knew how exhausting it was at that young age.
His words, “I agreed with bringing him [Saka] back [against Denmark] because I felt he had been the most lively of the wide players, along with Raheem Sterling. I am not sure he will start Sunday. I think that might just be too much for him.”
“What he did last night, the amount he has given in this tournament, I just feel we will see somebody else. I look at (Giorgio) Chiellini and (Leonardo) Bonucci, and I think, who wouldn’t they like to have in those wide areas, making those inside runs?”
“I actually think it could be a game for Rashford or Sancho to accompany Sterling in those wide positions.”
“I think those wide positions need to be quick players, who make out to in runs, so I don’t think we will see Saka on Sunday.”
“I think it might be one game too much for him. I was there in Euro 1996 as a 21-year-old and I was absolutely exhausted as I went through the tournament.”
“I just feel that, on Sunday, he may be a handy sub to have and he [Southgate] may bring in other players, who haven’t played on Wednesday night.”
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