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Former England star Wayne Rooney has made a bold claim on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: WORLD CUP BOUND
After a fine start to the season, Bukayo Saka is set to feature in his second major tournament with the Three Lions of England. The youngster has been at the forefront of Arsenal’s rise to the top of the league this season with his excellent performances.
It has been a great year for the lad, who finished in the top ten for the Kopa Trophy award and was named England’s player of the year. There have been calls in the media for him to nail down a starting shirt in Gareth Southgate’s team in Qatar and deservedly he was named in the World Cup squad released last Friday.
THE LATEST: ROONEY’S CLAIM
Former Manchester United star, Wayne Rooney has praised Bukayo Saka ahead of the World Cup and warned Chelsea winger, Raheem Sterling, he could lose his place in England’s team to the Arsenal man.
It appears Saka and Sterling will be sweating it out for the same spot in Gareth Southgate’s XI and have different starts to the season.
Saka has been excellent for Arsenal this season, while Sterling has largely struggled at Chelsea following a £50m move from Manchester City last summer.
However, the former Manchester United and England striker says he has been impressed by Saka’s form and says he is a ‘top player’ with ‘no fear’.
“On the right, it’s a difficult one,” Rooney told The Times.
“For England, Sterling has been very good and Saka is a top player, so I would play either of them off the right.”
“The idea would be for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] to push on down the flank and for them to come in to provide a second No 10. It would cause teams problems.”
“I played many games with Sterling and he improved a lot. Working with Pep Guardiola at City improved him tactically and he has become good at the simple things, which maybe he wasn’t before.
“He can score goals, create goals, he’s quick and can beat a man. As shown in the past two tournaments, he can be a crucial player for England.”
“Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though. He plays with no fear and we’ve been talking about players not being in club form, but he is the opposite: he has been in great form for Arsenal.”
“They’re great options for Gareth and I think in different games he’ll change his team up. I don’t think anyone could complain whichever one is chosen.”
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Iran, before facing USA and Wales in Group B.
THE VERDICT: WELL PUT
Saka has been solid for Arsenal this season and is ready to do it again at the Mundial in Qatar. He recently showed his class for the Three Lions and it is expected that he will be given more chances at the World Cup.
