Euros Watch: Highlighting the key Arsenal stars who could shine this summer

Bukayo Saka

Euros Watch: Highlighting the key Arsenal stars who could shine this summer

By Peter White

As the dust continues to settle on Arsenal’s hugely underwhelming season both domestically and in Europe, Gunners fans can at least turn their attentions to a feast of international action this summer. 

After a delay of 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic Euro 2020 is finally upon us, with 24 of the continent’s best sides vying to get their hands on the Henri Delaunay Trophy and be crowned kings of Europe. 

Covid-19 hasn’t prevented the action being smattered across a range of nations, with the highly anticipated tournament kicking off with a clash between Turkey and Italy in Rome on June 11. 

The Azzurri - winners in 1968 and twice runners-up - are among the favourites for ultimate glory, alongside world champions France, defending champions Portugal and Roberto Martinez’s Belgium. 

Gareth Southgate’s England are similarly fancied by many to match or better their 2018 World Cup semi-final exploits, with many Arsenal supporters ready to put club rivalries aside and get behind the Three Lions. 

England get their Group D campaign underway against Croatia at Wembley on June 13, before two further games at headquarters against fellow home nation Scotland and Czech Republic in which they will hope to secure a route into the knockout stages. 

While England’s progress will remain the centre of attention for many Gooners, Arsenal representation at the tournament is spread across a handful of nations, presenting fans with the chance to adopt a ‘second team’. 

Besides Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli receiving call-ups to Brazil’s squad ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, four Arsenal men are set to appear at the Euros having been selected as part of their country’s 26-man squad. 

So, with kick-off drawing ever closer we’ve identified who to look out for, and what we can expect to see during June and July’s festival of football. 

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland

Rumours continue to circulate about Granit Xhaka’s future at the Emirates, with the former skipper supposedly high up on the wish list of new Roma boss Jose Mourinho. 

One thing that is for sure is that the 28-year-old will be keen to increase his stock for Switzerland, for whom he is set to wear the armband and the No.10 jersey, and build on his 93 caps. 

Xhaka - who made 45 appearances under Mikel Arteta last season across central midfield and left-back - will lead Vladimir Petkovic’s men against tournament openers Turkey and Italy, and Wales, in Group A. 

Having progressed to the last 16 for the first time in France five years ago, the Swiss will be itching to get their campaign off to a fast start against Rob Page’s Welshmen on June 12.

Granit Xhaka

Bukayo Saka, England 

Rising star Bukayo Saka capped a fine individual season by being named as Arsenal’s sole representative in Southgate’s England squad, and he quickly went about justifying his selection. 

The 19-year-old - who notched five goals and three assists in 32 Premier League games during 2020/21 and was one of the only Gunners players to emerge from the season with credit - netted his first Three Lions goal in Wednesday’s friendly win over Austria. 

Such a fine performance prompted some from within the football world to suggest Saka could challenge the likes of Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford for a starting berth in England’s opener against Croatia. 

It will certainly be thrilling to see how many minutes the Arsenal academy graduate accumulates during the competition, with England ultimately bidding to claim the European title for the first time. 

Kieran Tierney, Scotland 

One individual ready to put a halt to England’s hopes is Scotland stalwart Kieran Tierney, who has established himself as a key man for club and country in recent times. 

Gunners boss Arteta reportedly reached out to the 23-year-old ahead of the Euros, urging him to replicate the sort of form that saw him labelled as one of the few positives to take from last season - similar to Saka. 

And Tierney duly starred as Scotland held European giants Netherlands to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday, catching the eye with his determination from his now usual back three slot. 

Steve Clarke’s men certainly aren’t looking to make up the numbers despite featuring at their first major tournament since 1998, and they will be hoping to burst out of the blocks against Czech Republic at Hampden Park on June 14. 

Bernd Leno, Germany 

If England successfully navigate their way into the knockout stages as Group D winners, a match-up with old foes Germany could beckon if the latter finish as runners-up in the so-called pool of death. 

The three-time European champions face Portugal, France and Hungary in Group F, and know they could slip to an early exit if they’re not on their game despite boasting a wealth of talent in their ranks. 

Bernd Leno has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer after a mixed season between the sticks, and he is unlikely to get much of a chance to impress on the international stage with Manuel Neuer the undisputed Germany No.1. 

June 23’s meeting with Hungary could be the 29-year-old’s best chance to get some minutes, providing Joachim Loew’s team see off France and Portugal in their opening two clashes.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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