‘Everybody is going to batter me’: Jeff Stelling has just made ‘controversial’ claim about Bukayo Saka

Jeff Stelling has made a ‘controversial’ claim about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka ahead of Euro 2024.

Bukayo Saka is currently working his way back to full fitness after missing out on England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.

The 22-year-old got 30 minutes under his belt against Iceland on Friday in what was England’s last friendly ahead of the tournament in Germany.

Despite a lack of minutes in the build-up to the Euros, the Arsenal star is expected to continue to play a key role for Southgate.

The Hale End Academy product faces added competition for a place in the side in Cole Palmer though, with the Chelsea star starting in both of England’s warm-up games. 

Now, Jeff Stelling has made a bold claim about who should start off the right-hand side for England’s opener against Serbia on Sunday. 

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Stelling says Palmer should start over Saka

Speaking on talkSPORT [10/06  8:13am], Stelling named his front three for England’s clash against Serbia on Sunday. 

Interestingly, the legendary presenter wants to see Palmer and Anthony Gordon start over Saka and Manchester City star Phil Foden.

“My front three is going to be a bit controversial. I am going to pick Palmer just ahead of Bukayo Saka,” Stelling said. “Saka has had a bit of a knock, not quite back to 100% I think, Palmer showed enough against Iceland.

“Palmer, Kane and Anthony Gordon, who I thought was our biggest threat for most part of the night.

“He has been in brilliant form, and everybody is going to batter me because there is no Phil Foden. But Foden, four goals in 34 games for England.

“I think Gareth Southgate and his staff are scratching their heads as to how to get the best out of Phil Foden for England.”

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Saka will be key for England this summer

Whether or not Saka is ready to start from the off in Sunday’s opener remains to be seen. But when the Arsenal star is back to full fitness you’d imagine he will be one of the first names on the team sheet. 

Saka has been one of England’s standout players over the past couple of years and has netted 11 times in 33 caps for his country.

Palmer has undoubtedly enjoyed an excellent year at Stamford Bridge but it would be a surprise to see him take Saka’s place after just two starts in an England shirt.