Bukayo Saka is facing a worrying England prediction as Arsenal's Premier League title chances have been rated ahead of the North London Derby this weekend against Tottenham.
Saka has been an undroppable in Mikel Arteta's team for some time but this story hasn't been replicated on the international stage as Gareth Southgate prefers to use the Arsenal star from the bench as shown against Germany, although he did start at the San Siro vs Italy.
The 21-year-old was part of the Three Lions revival at Wembley earlier this week as his drive with the ball eventually resulted in Mason Mount's equaliser. Despite these positive contributions coupled with his ever-improving Gunners form, current Reading manager Paul Ince thinks Saka will miss out on the World Cup opening line-up vs Iran.
He gave his line-up prediction to FairBettingSites: "Oh wow. Well, Pickford would have to be in goal. Probably Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Rice, Bellingham; Grealish, Foden, Sterling; Kane."
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka told to complete Arsenal transfer exit and team he should join amid contract talks
When quizzed on the exclusion of Arsenal's No.7 from his pick for the upcoming Qatar competition, Ince clarified: "He's a very talented player, I just think the good thing about England at this moment, they’ve got, plenty of strength in depth, plenty of top, top players, Saka being one of them.
"Sometimes it’s hard to choose a team when you’ve got so many very good players. But I think for the starting game, that would be my first XI. It’s a good problem to have as well and off the bench, he did really well the other night along with Mount, so yeah, there’s many paths he can take."
The Hale End graduate will do all he can in the 13 games prior to jetting off to the Middle East in the hope that he can prove Ince wrong and ensure Southgate is given some food for thought ahead of the Group B opener on November 21.
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League and have started their Europa League campaign on the right foot. With this in mind, Ince still cannot see past Man City retaining their crown come the end of the season.
He added in the same interview: "I just can’t see past City. I love what Arteta is doing, you know, I do, you know. They look to be improving year after year and he’s brought some really good players in. My boys are Arsenal fans, my two fans, so if they do, I’ll be getting it in the ear!
"It’s fantastic to see them up there. There is a long way to go, it’ll be a good challenge against Tottenham who are also a very good side at the moment - it’ll be a good test."
Arsenal fans: Are you worried that Bukayo Saka may not make the cut to be starting regularly in Qatar for England under Gareth Southgate and what can he do now to change his mind? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta already has Arsenal's Thomas Partey replacement and it's not Albert Sambi Lokonga
Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney - Arsenal injury news ahead of Tottenham clash
Mikel Arteta suffers new Arsenal injury setback ahead of North London Derby vs Tottenham
What Gabriel Jesus did to Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal's North London Derby vs Tottenham
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
