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Jose Mourinho predicts this player to start for England against Italy: A major gamble?

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Bukayo Saka has been used on the right wing for England in the past few matches but against Denmark, the Arsenal youngster did not have the best of outings.

The 19-year-old was selected ahead of players like Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho in the semi-final but during his 69 minutes on the pitch, Bukayo Saka managed to make only 22 passes.

He was brilliant against the Czech Republic and Germany but many believe his poor form against Denmark and his relatively young age is going to force the England boss to push him back to the bench when the Three Lions face Italy on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho though thinks age is not going to be a problem for Bukayo Saka and there’s a big chance that Gareth Southgate opts to use the Arsenal youngster in his starting line-up once again.

‘I played an 18-year-old in the Champions League final and he’s still the youngest player to score in a Champions League final. [It’s] no problem,’ Mourinho told talkSPORT, as quoted by Metro.

‘Of course, we coaches normally we think about all these details. But in the end when you make these kinds of decisions, we are sure of what we are doing.

‘And Southgate had no problem doing that, no just with Saka but also with other players, giving them chances to play.

‘I think the kid [Saka] is proving my experience theory, which is experience has nothing to do with age, experience has a lot to do with the way you think, the way you live.

‘I think the kid has had a good experience in the best league in the world, in the most competitive league in the world. Playing at a big club like Arsenal every weekend.


‘The kid arrived there, he’s showing great personality, I don’t think Gareth is going to leave him out.’

Will Bukayo Saka start for England in the EURO final?

Bukayo Saka saw a sharp dip in form against Denmark and there’s no way the manager is going to take any risks with someone who is not at his best right now(especially since they will face Italy).

Jadon Sancho put him a good enough shift on the right win against Ukraine but Southgate is not expected to select the Manchester United attacker on Sunday.

Phil Foden remains the best choice to start down the right hand side if Bukayo Saka is not considered for his form but that will also depend on how England set up against Italy.

If Gareth Southgate opts for a 4-2-3-1 system then Phil Foden or Saka are likely to start as the right-winger but if the manager used a three-man defensive line them someone like Mason Mount is going to play in the attacking midfielder’s role just behind Harry Kane.

Read: Italy’s team news vs England – European Championship.

Read: England team news vs Italy – European Championship.

Read: Man United urged not to sign this Ligue 1 midfielder.

Read: Defender talks about his future amidst links with Manchester United.

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