Micah Richards lauds Arsenal talent after England win 1-0

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Micah Richards raved about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka after his performance in England’s 1-0 win over the Czech Republic last night.

The Match of the Day pundit told the show how he felt the Gunners star had shone during the game. He came in for Mason Mount who missed the game having been forced to isolate.

Saka enjoyed a stunning game. It was the first time he had started a game at a major tournament and he helped England progress to the last 16 as group winners.

It was Raheem Sterling who won the game for England but the Arsenal man was named as the UEFA Star of the Match.

Richards was asked to sum up England’s performance. After such an impressive maiden start in a major tournament, he waxed lyrical about the trickster.

He told Match of the Day: “I think he’s (Gareth Southgate) learned a lot about the next game today. The way Saka played today he can’t be dropped.

“He was absolutely outstanding. He’s so versatile, he can play in so many different positions.

“There were times when people scared to impose themselves on the game, but he was fearless. He’s 19 years of age!

“I love him, he looks forward and I just thought his all-round performance was so good for someone so young.”

Arsenal ace Saka has to start next England clash

Richards has a point. It looks like an impossible task for Southgate ahead of the next game and Saka has to be one of the first names on the team-sheet.

He was a constant menace to the Czech Republic back four and his versatility really helped England.

Interestingly a change of system could help Saka even further. If England go three at the back for the last 16 clash, the Arsenal man wouldn’t look out of place in the left wing-back role.

Southgate is paid to make these big calls. On last night’s showing, the England boss simply has to select the Arsenal star once again.