Wayne Rooney has now admitted that one Arsenal player could actually be dropped by their country in the coming days.
Right now, Mikel Arteta has 11 players at Euro 2024 and two Brazilians waiting to begin their Copa America campaign.
Both Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are gearing up to face Costa Rica on June 25.
And although Martinelli suffered an injury scare in Brazil training, it appears he’ll be fine to play an important role for Brazil.
At Euro 2024, William Saliba has been going from strength to strength with France, and it seems he has finally changed Didier Deschamps’ mind.
Although, Leandro Trossard isn’t enjoying the same success with Belgium, and was dropped to the bench in their win over Romania.
That being said, when speaking with The Times, Wayne Rooney has admitted that he thinks one of Arsenal’s England stars may now be dropped.
England struggled for any kind of rhythm against Denmark on Thursday, and Rooney thinks Gareth Southgate may drop Bukayo Saka as a result.
Wayne Rooney seriously thinks Gareth Southgate could drop Bukayo Saka for England
Despite his strong season and ‘outstanding’ England performance against Serbia, arguably even playing well against Denmark, Saka’s starting role was even slightly contentious before the Euros began.
Some England fans were calling for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer to get a chance, a suggestion Southgate would seemingly reject.
Although, after England failed to win on Thursday, Rooney thought Southgate could drop Saka to the bench in order to put Anthony Gordon into the team.
Rooney confessed that he wouldn’t make the change himself, but thought it certainly wasn’t out of the question.
He said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if Gareth moves Foden to the right, brings in Gordon and leaves 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.”
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Of course, if a team is playing badly, removing one of your most exciting and crucial forwards is seldom the right choice.
If it’s balance England need, then it’s probably a better decision to drop Foden to the bench – even if that is equally unpalatable.
But based on his performances at the Euros, and the season he’s had, there’s simply no justification to remove the Arsenal man – who would start for every other side at the tournament.
That being said, Arsenal may now decide against a move for Saka’s England teammate Eberechi Eze this summer.