Tony Cascarino defends Saka amid scapegoat talk before Nations clash

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has stepped in to protect Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, arguing that the England international has been unfairly painted as a scapegoat while the national side prepares for a Nations League meeting with Croatia tonight.

England, under Thomas Tuchel, will have four Arsenal players available after right‑back Ezri Konsa recovered from an injury scare. The manager must also decide between Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Jarell Quansah for the other defensive slot.

Saka under the microscope

Saka started England’s recent fixtures against Spain and the Czech Republic, yet his displays attracted criticism, especially when measured against Anthony Gordon’s headline‑grabbing exploits on the opposite flank. The 25‑year‑old has been a regular for both club and country on the right wing for several seasons, but his form dipped after a lengthy hamstring injury in 2024.

Cascarino told that Saka has “started this season with three goals in five games for Arsenal, so he’s in really good form”. He added that the only time he has seen Saka not at his best was while recovering from injury, and that the player “has become a little bit of a scapegoat”.

The former Chelsea forward also praised Saka’s work rate, saying he “always gives a really hard shift” and “offers a lot to the team, always wants the ball”. He noted that Saka “has his great moments where he’ll drive towards the byline, he chips in with goals”.

Arsenal chase as Liverpool and Real Madrid target €25m midfielder

Cascarino was clear that Saka is still “the one to beat” and “still got the shirt for me”. He acknowledged that while Saka may not be “as good as the best in the world”, there are “other wingers that are ahead of him” and that he could improve over the next year or two.

Tuchel’s selection puzzle

Tuchel will face a tough decision on his right‑back, with the choice likely between Alexander‑Arnold and Quansah, and he admitted that the relationship between full‑backs and wingers now plays a big factor. Cascarino explained that “all wingers are reliant on their full‑backs, that’s where the game has changed”.

When Saka performs at his best for Arsenal, it is normally with Ben White providing cover, but White picked up an injury just before the international break, forcing Tuchel to look elsewhere.

Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez branded an enemy of Ukraine amid Nations League clash

Calls have emerged to drop Saka, with Chelsea duo Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha named as possible replacements, yet Cascarino “couldn’t disagree more”. He believes Saka remains a “huge bonus for England”.

Our exclusive football newsletter cuts through the noise to deliver analysis and gossip straight to your inbox every week.