Bukayo Saka could lose England place to emerging star, reckons former Spurs man
'I’d go as far as to say he could challenge Bukayo Saka for a starting spot!'
Bukayo Saka has a new threat for his place in the England team in Chelsea star Noni Madueke, reckons former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara.
Madueke was in-and-out of the Blues team last season under Mauricio Pochettino but has started this campaign under Enzo Maresca impressively.
The 22-year-old has already scored four goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Wolves in the Premier League, which undoubtedly helped earn him a spot in Lee Carsley’s first England squad.
O’Hara is keen to see how Madueke gets on in the national team, potentially winning his first senior cap on Saturday against Republic of Ireland.
Clearly the former Spurs man fancies him to do well as he reckons he could end up displacing Saka in the starting XI, despite the Arsenal superstar becoming a fixture in the Three Lions team in recent years.
‘I’m really looking forward England’s next few games, especially to see how Lee Carsley sets up his team,’ O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport. ‘I’m particularly eager to see Noni Madueke play for the senior side.
‘He’s really stepped it up this season, and I like the way he’s so direct, always wanting the ball and making things happen. I think Madueke could be a real game-changer for England, and I’d go as far as to say he could challenge Bukayo Saka for a starting spot!’
On other newcomers to the England squad, O’Hara added: ‘Similarly, there’s the introduction of players like Angel Gomes – it’ll be interesting to see how he performs. I haven’t seen much of him, but at least there’s something new to watch.
‘Even Tino Livramento, who’s started the season well for Newcastle, has come in and pushed Kyle Walker out, who’s been a fixture in the team for the past ten years.’
Carsley’s first outings as England boss see the Three Lions take on Ireland on Saturday and then Finland on Tuesday as the interim manager auditions for the full-time gig.
O’Hara is not convinced Carsley is the right man for the job, believing England should aim for more experience at the top level.
‘As interested as I am to see what Carsley does, I still feel England should go for a bigger name in management,’ he said. ‘Eddie Howe is someone I think the FA should seriously consider trying to lure away from Newcastle. Another manager on my shortlist is Graham Potter – he’s proven he can perform at the highest level.
‘I understand that Carsley has done well with the under-21s, but I still think we should be aiming for the top tier of managers. This appointment feels like a step backwards – a bit boring, to be honest.
‘England have an unbelievable squad, probably the best in international football! I think we should go all out and try to get a manager to match. I’m talking about someone like Pep Guardiola – why not?’
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