Jack Wilshere and Gary Neville have disagreed over their England team to face Germany in the Round of 16.
The Germans secured a second-place finish in Group F on Wednesday evening, meaning they’ll face the Three Lions in the next round, after Gareth Southgate’s side clinched top spot of Group D following the 1-0 win over Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
In that match at Wembley, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was handed his first start of the Euros and more than took his opportunity to impress on the biggest stage.
Saka was involved in England’s only goal of the game as he drove up the field to lay it off to Jack Grealish, who then found Raheem Sterling with an inch perfect cross.
Video Unavailable
The 19-year-old Gunners star has immense competition for his place, with the likes of Sterling, Grealish, Phil Foden, possibly Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all fighting for a spot in Southgate’s team for the visit of Germany next week.
Neville has taken to Twitter to share what he’d do if he was in Southgate’s shoes, with his starting line-up including Saka.
(Image: Twitter)
His tweet read: “England V Germany. James, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Philips, Sterling, Kane, Saka.
“Wing backs to match up / Engage Germany’s Saka and Sterling left higher in channels v Germany wide CB.
“Rice/Philips onto Kroos/Gundogan. Thoughts?”
Former Arsenal midfielder Wilshere replied to the tweet, saying: “No Grealish or Foden (thinking and shock emojis) England’s most talented/creative…
“At least one has to play! Probably Grealish to help us retain the ball and carry it up the pitch. Come on Gaz.”
Speaking after the win on Tuesday, Saka himself admitted he was delighted with his own performance but remained coy on his chances of playing against Germany.
“I think it was a really good performance from us,” the Arsenal winger said to ITV. “I think we played some really good football at times. Of course, with us already qualifying before the game, we had a lot more freedom and time to express ourselves and I think that showed in some of the football we showed tonight.
“I’m happy with the performance from myself and from the team. I hope so (he will play in the next round). It’s up to the manager, I can only give my best on the pitch so we’ll wait and see.”
Saka will be looking to add another goal to his England tally after recently opening his account for his country in the 1-0 friendly win against Austria earlier this month.