"It wouldn't surprise me" – Wayne Rooney fears Arsenal star could be dropped for upcoming Euro 2024 clash
Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has expressed his fears about England manager Gareth Southgate potentially dropping Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in their next UEFA Euro 2024 clash.
Saka, 22, has started both of England's Group C games at the ongoing Euro 2024 so far. He has featured in 145 minutes of action and registered the assist for Jude Bellingham's winner in a 1-0 win over Serbia.
However, due to England's underwhelming display against Denmark this week, a host of changes are likely. Southgate could drop Saka to accommodate Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, as per Rooney.
Speaking to The Times, the Plymouth Argyle manager commented:
"It wouldn't surprise me if Gareth Southgate moves Phil Foden to the right, brings in Anthony Gordon and leaves Bukayo Saka out. But I wouldn't do that because I think Saka has been really good. He has been creative and provided some good balls into the box."
Saka, who has represented England 35 times, relished his best-ever campaign for Arsenal in the 2023-24 season. He scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 47 matches across competitions for the Gunners.
England, on the other hand, will next face Slovenia in their Euro 2024 group tie at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne this Tuesday (June 25).
England star wants Arsenal transfer target to join Newcastle United amid speculations
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal and Newcastle United are both keen to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi. The 23-year-old centre-back is open to securing a move away from his club ahead of the next term.
Speaking to talkSPORT, England and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon lavished praise on the Arsenal transfer target. He opined (h/t Mirror):
"He is top. He's such a good player. I was glad the nation got to see him shine on that stage because he is such a lovely guy, and he deserves what is coming to him. I thought he was unbelievable in [the recent 1-0 UEFA Euro 2024 Group C win against Serbia], considering his height compared to the strikers they had on."
Stating that he would love to see Guehi at his club, Gordon continued:
"He won every header, he was aggressive, intercepting loads, and his main strength is his composure on the ball. He's like a midfielder, so him and [John] Stones is a great partnership. I haven't seen the Newcastle links, but I would love him to come, as I think he’s a top, top player and he would make us a better team."
Since arriving from Chelsea in a £20 million switch in 2021, Guehi has scored five goals and recorded two assists in 111 matches for Palace.