'He was magic': Arsenal star now tipped to play big role in Euro 2024 final between England and Spain

Former England international Darren Anderton has suggested that one Arsenal player could play a massive role in today’s Euro 2024 final.

The European championship this summer has proven to be quite the success story for the Gunners, with Kai Havertz and William Saliba shining for their national teams as Arsenal are closing in on signing arguably the breakout player from the tournament in Riccardo Calafiori.

With a guaranteed winner on the horizon later today, Arsenal officials will be proud of what has happened in Germany this summer both on and off the pitch as Mikel Arteta continues his preparations for the upcoming season.

And former Three Lion Anderton believes one Arsenal player will be key tonight in the final.

Bukayo Saka tipped for greatness after ‘magic’ England performance

Speaking to the Mirror [14/07, pg78], the former Tottenham winger lauded Bukayo Saka after the forward’s performance against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, where the Arsenal star played three positions, scored and bagged from the spot in the shootout.

With another impressive performance against the Netherlands to follow, it’s been a solid tournament for Saka despite a slow start, and the attacker could now play a huge role for England tonight against Spain, with the 22-year-old’s versatility a huge asset.

Anderton said on Saka’s versatility this summer: “Playing as a wing-back is tough. Steve McManaman and I played there for England under Terry Venables in Euro 96 and, for an attacking footballer, it’s something you really have to work hard at.

“We’ve seen Bukayo Saka play in that position and you have to say against Switzerland he was our best player by a million miles. He looked like he was the only one capable of doing something that would create or score a goal. He was magic.”

Saka will want to end his Euros campaign with a historic flourish

It’s been nearly 60 years since England last lifted the World Cup, and tonight could finally see all the hurt come to an end with a win against Spain, with Saka the player who could cause La Roja the most problems.

The Arsenal winger has really found his stride in the last two games for the Three Lions, with Saka showcasing why he is one of the best wingers on the planet and a real source of attacking threat for England.

And if the winger can dig deep and put on his performance of the season, there’s every chance that England can come away from Berlin tonight as European champions for the first time ever.