What was the point in Bukayo Saka making the trip from London to Burton-on-Trent to be assessed by the England medical staff and then sent straight back home.
Does Gareth Southgate really think that Mikel Arteta would leave out his best player for the most important game of the season if he was not injured? It shows a complete like of trust from the England manager.
Southgate should have accepted Arteta and Arsenal’s instruction that Saka was injured and just said “no worries, see you at the next one B”.
It is not like we have essential games coming up where Southgate could be thinking “the situation could change in a week”.
England firstly play Australia in a pointless friendly. That is followed up by a home game against Italy in Euro 2024 qualifying.
With 13 points from the first 5 games, England have 3 more games left to play. The top 2 qualify for Euro 2024. We basically need 3 points from 3 games to qualify.
With Italy, Ukraine and Macedonia all to still play each other, the most points 3rd place can get is 17. that will be if Ukraine or Macedonia win all 3 of their remaining games, and Italy (who have played a game less), win 3 out of their final 4.
With a +14 goal difference, 12 better than any other team in the group, you can not see a situation where England get 17 points and finish 3rd.
Considering we still have Macedonia (a) and Malta (h) to play, we could easily lose against Italy and still qualify with a game to spare.
I do feel for Saka.
Some Arsenal fans are saying “Saka should have refused to go”. But he loves his country and is also a respectful, obedient young man. We do not want him to grow that ego where he begins to pick and choose when he plays for club and country. And as we have said before, top players play every game they are fit for.
Likewise, Arsenal should not be pulling players out of international duty unless they actually are injured.
Many players, like Saka, love playing for their country. Teams forcing players to miss games for no real reason can quickly lead to a deterioration of relations between those individuals and managers.
It is very easy for fans to call for players to not go when they are representing a country different to their own. Would they be as happy if Delhi told the Indian Cricket Team that they were unable to pick Virat Kohli?
Saka will now get a two week break. He will spend much of it at London Colney getting some rehab, ensuring that he is completely free from his injury. Ready for that Chelsea game. And then we go again…
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 