England Coach Southgate Responds To Saka's Decision To Snub Nigeria In Favour Of England

Published: October 01, 2020

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate fielded questions from the national press in England shortly after announcing his 30-man group for the upcoming international fixtures against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.

One of the subjects Southgate touched on was the decision of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka to turn down the chance to represent Nigeria internationally in favour of his country of birth, England.

Capable of playing as a left-back, left wing-back, attacking midfielder, left winger and right winger, Saka's versatility convinced Southgate to hand him his maiden call-up to England's senior team after only one cap for the Young Lions at U21 level.

Asked about Saka's decision to snub Nigeria, Southgate was quoted as saying by Metro : "I’ve not talked specifically to Bukayo about that.

"I think so many of our players are eligible for dual-nationality, sometimes for more than two countries.

"We’ve been impressed with his progress through our system. I thought at times for Arsenal last year, at times really exciting.

"Still very young, still learning, of course, but improving all the time. High potential, real good quality.

"Everybody that’s worked with him tells me he’s a very level-headed, intelligent boy.

"So it’s an area of the pitch we’re keen to look at a different profile of player. He can play a number of different roles very comfortably."

Saka has received his first call-up to England's senior team after only 45 games for Arsenal's first team and he was in action for 3,084 minutes across all competitions.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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