Michael Owen says substitute Bukayo Saka was ‘impressive’ despite an overall disappointing defeat for England against Hungary on Saturday.
The Three Lions’ Nations League campaign got off to a poor start in Budapest, with a second-half penalty from the hosts enough to seal them a 1-0 win.
The spot-kick was given for a challenge from Reece James on Zsolt Nagy, which was converted by Dominik Szoboszlai.
Arsenal starlet Saka provided a threat when he came off the bench at half-time, going on a strong run that ended in an attempt which was saved by Peter Gulacsi.
‘It was a very good run, I thought he was quite impressive actually, Saka, when he came on,’ former Liverpool and England striker Owen told Channel 4.
‘I think he’s going to struggle to score from that angle and he couldn’t quite get enough pace on the shot.’
Meanwhile, Arsenal and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs stated Saka should start in the Three Lions next Nations League match against Germany on Tuesday, saying: ‘I would like Saka on the pitch from the start. I think when he dribbles like that he creates a lot of problems. He’s obviously so agile, he can cut in and that is why he creates so many problems.
‘England right now have really good wingers, [Jarrod] Bowen, [Jack] Grealish and Saka who can all do that. It’s then just about that final ball into the box.’
On the match against Germany and what should improve, Owen said: ‘There will definitely be different starters against Germany. Within the current squad there is going to be a bit of rotation in the team. A few players came off the bench today and that would suggest a few of them will start.
‘I would like to see England start with a real identity. All the top teams around Europe have a real identity and I would like to see that come out in the coming games.’
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