‘He is incredible’ – Alan Shearer says Arsenal star is a ‘future England captain’

England legend and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer (Picture: Getty)

Alan Shearer has paid tribute to ‘sensational’ and ‘incredible’ Bukayo Saka and insists he views the Arsenal star as a ‘future England captain’.

Saka has developed into one of Arsenal and England’s most important players in recent years, racking up 236 appearances for the Gunners and earning 42 caps for the Three Lions.

The 23-year-old captained Arsenal for the first time last year and has been tipped to wear the armband for England in the future.

Record goalscorer Harry Kane has had that honour since 2018 but, at the age of 31, will step away from international duty long before the Arsenal star, who is eight years his junior.

Saka has been an influential figure in England’s dressing room at two European Championships and a World Cup and Shearer believes he has the minerals to lead the side out.

‘It wouldn’t surprise me to see Saka as a future England captain,’ Shearer told Betfair.

‘He’s already captained Arsenal and because of his attitude, ability, and the way everyone looks up to him, that to me shows he has all the attributes to be an England captain.

Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka (Picture: Getty)

‘When your team needs you the most to pull something out the bag, Saka can and does do that. I am 100% certain Saka could be a future England captain.’

Shearer added: ‘Bukayo Saka is absolutely sensational in everything he does.

‘He gets whacked every single game, people try double up on him, kick him and he just goes out and performs with such consistency.

‘He’s an incredible talent, has a great personality and he’s just impossible not to like. His attitude is second to none; think of the way he has responded to what happened to him with England in 2021, and the way he’s moved on from it.

Saka is currently away with England (Picture: Getty)

‘He’s just a phenomenal talent, and he’s so gutsy and tough as well. 

‘I’ve been there where everyone is trying to mark you out of the game and it’s tough. You can bet your bottom dollar that he’s the talk of the opposition dressing room before games.

‘Many have tried but not many have stopped him. He’s just incredible, almost impossible to stop, and such a wonderful talent.’

Saka has been one of the most consistent wingers in the Premier League since 2021 and has enjoyed an impressive start to the current campaign, scoring two goals and making seven assists in seven games.

His form has helped the Gunners take up an early position at the top-end of the Premier League table as they look to end a 21-year wait for the title.

Following Arsenal’s most recent win, a 3-1 victory over Southampton, Saka was hailed as ‘one of the best players in the world’ by teammate Gabriel Martinelli.

‘He’s unbelievable, and one of the best players in the world right now,’ the Brazil international said.

‘He’s a really nice guy as well so we’re really happy to have him here as one of the captains.’

With the Premier League campaign on hold, Saka’s next involvements will be with England, who face Greece on Thursday night and Finland on Sunday.

The Nations League fixtures represent another chance for Lee Carsley to stake his claim for the top job as the FA look to tie down Gareth Southgate’s permanent replacement.

England are looking to seal promotion from Nations League Group 2 and ultimately begin preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles.

The England men’s team will have gone 60 years without a trophy by then, having lost two major finals under Southgate, who opted to step down following Euro 2024.

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