Michael Owen explains why Bukayo Saka's unique pace and chemistry with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham must be deployed against Argentina.
Former England striker Michael Owen has urged Thomas Tuchel to hand Bukayo Saka a starting berth for Wednesday’s monumental World Cup semi-final against Argentina, insisting the Arsenal star has the unique quality to terrorise the South Americans from the opening whistle.
Owen suggested that Chelsea winger Noni Madueke should make way for the fit-again Arsenal talisman. England booked their spot in the final four after a gruelling, dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, whilst Argentina progressed with an equally hard-fought 3-1 extra-time win against Switzerland.
The upcoming clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta promises to write another fiery chapter in one of international football's most iconic and deeply-rooted rivalries, with a coveted spot in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain at stake.
Owen believes introducing Saka is the single key tactical adjustment Tuchel must implement. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward argues that Saka's raw pace, technical creativity, and elite one-on-one dribbling ability could prove decisive against an Argentine defensive line that has looked highly vulnerable when stretched out wide.
