How Arsenal's England stars got on on international duty

How Arsenal's England stars got on on international duty

By Jonny Brat
Gareth Southgate has come under a lot of criticism in the wake of last night's 4-0 defeat against Hungary in the UEFA Nations League.
Of course, the people calling for the head of England's most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey are deluded.
But a difficult month for the Three Lions has begged the question, how did the Arsenal stars in the camp get on?
Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale were the only the only Gunners included in this month's squad.
But were they shining lights in Southgate's side, or were they at fault for a disappointing block of fixtures?

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka was arguably England's best player at the European Championships last summer.
However, he has looked a little tired during the UEFA Nations League games this month.
His first appearance came when he was brought on in the 45th minute in the first game of the month for James Justin.
That away fixture against Hungary ended in a 1-0 defeat but the Arsenal man produced a rare England threat with a fine run and shot that Hungary keeper Peter Gulacsi saved with his legs.
He started in the 1-1 draw against Germany but was not very impactful and was brought off for Jarrod Bowen in the 80th minute.
He featured again in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Italy as a 79th-minute substitute, replacing Raheem Sterling.
However, he was not really on the pitch long enough to make an impact.
He started well in the game against Hungary at Molineux and appeared to have a decent connection with Harry Kane.
Much of what England did well came down his left flank and despite coming off for Raheem Sterling early in the second half, few will blame the winger for the defeat.
And he was not on the pitch when things started getting ugly, having been replaced by Raheem Sterling.

Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale did not play in England's first two games of the UEFA Nations League.
However, he made a real impact against Italy.
Ramsdale made some excellent saves to keep the Three Lions in the game and ensure that the contest finished 0-0.
He also showed off what he can do with the ball at his feet.
In contrast, he looked a different player against Hungary, conceding four goals and often looking unsettled.
To make matters worse for the shot-stopper, it could have been even more, as Reece James cleared the ball off the goal line on one occasion.

Conclusion

It was far from the best international break for Arsenal's England stars.
Two draws and two defeat has brought England fans, players and coaching staff a rude awakening after four years of unparalleled success.
Harry Kane was right in his post-match interview with Channel 4. This is no time to panic.
However, it is time to rest an exhausted squad of players who have had two gruelling years of near non-stop football.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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