SAKA CAN PLAY KEY ROLE IN 3 LIONS FUTURE

Bukayo bridges gap between seniors and Gen Z stars

-  JOHN CROSS

BUKAYO SAKA has become a key figure for England's next generation.

And Saka's growing influence in the national team is marking him down as a leader and potential captaincy material.

Arsenal star Saka, who is 23 tomorrow, has been England's Player of the Year in the past two seasons and no one doubts his performances for his country on the pitch.

Saka (main picture) has 12 goals in 40 caps and has played in three major tournaments, having made his Three Lions debut nearly four years ago.

But what went under the radar was that Saka was introduced into England's unofficial leadership group during this summer's Euros.

Defender Kyle Walker, who was vicecaptain in Germany, revealed Saka was part of the five-man player group.

Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham together with Walker - were on the committee, which is effectively a bridge between the dressing room and management.

That was the style under Gareth Southgate and there is no suggestion that will change quickly under new interim boss Lee Carsley.