Saka set to be rewarded with start against Germany

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is expected to start tonight as England face Germany at Wembley for a place in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.

According to The Athletic, Saka is set to be rewarded for his glistening display against the Czech Republic in which he earned the man-of-the-match award in his first start of the tournament.

Gareth Southgate gushed about the Arsenal winger after his display helped earn England top spot in Group D and the reward of facing Germany.

Mount the irritant worth the risk for Southgate and England

The England boss said: “We had a really good feeling about Bukayo since the first day he trained with us in this period. In every period he’s been with us he’s impressed us.

“He’s a totally reliable player, for a young player it’s an exceptional quality. His ability to receive under pressure was really important to get us through the thirds of the pitch.

“He did that for the run for the goal. Super cross from Jack and great to see Raheem scoring again.

“I thought Bukayo was the real standout performance.”

It isn’t known what position Saka is likely to play in tonight’s last-16 clash with the 19-year-old appearing on the right-wing in his last appearance.

Saka can play in a number of positions having featured in seven different roles for the Gunners last season including as a wing-back.

Reports are emerging that Southgate could revert to his preferred three at the back formation against Germany and so it is possible Saka will be a wing-back rather than in the front three.

It has also been reported that Mason Mount is in serious contention for a place in the starting 11 despite training away from the rest of the group following close contact with COVID-19 positive Billy Gilmour after England’s goalless draw with the Scots.

The Three Lions will face either Sweden or Ukraine is they manage to win this evening and have a favourable run in to the final at Wembley on July 11th should they progress.