Gareth Southgate gets advice over Arsenal star Bukayo Saka with Cole Palmer instruction

Michael Owen has made a bold request to Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euros, suggesting that Bukayo Saka should be dropped from England's starting line-up.

The Arsenal star, 22, has been a consistent figure on the international scene and is often considered one of the first names on Southgate's team sheet. He has been crowned England men's player of the season for two consecutive years and is seen as crucial to England's chances at this summer's tournament.

Despite making his England debut in 2020 and already earning 32 caps, featuring in two major tournaments and netting 11 goals, Saka — who has been instrumental in Arsenal's Premier League title chase — might have to make way for Chelsea's rising star Cole Palmer, according to former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Three Lions forward Owen.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, Owen said: «I'd now start Cole Palmer instead of Saka. If I was Southgate, the one thing I would look at is Anthony Gordon on the left and Marcus Rashford.

»They would be on the mind as left-siders because I want pace in my team from somewhere and both offer that. I would go with whoever is on form: start one in one group game, start another in another. But for the rest of it I would keep the same. I do not think you can ignore Palmer's form and quality for any longer.

«I had him in the [England] squad back in the day but now he's one of the best players in the Premier League. He might even get player of the year, possibly the Golden Boot, and that's in a struggling team.»

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«So he's now in my mind a must. I would play him on the