Following Bukayo's Saka's recent performances for England, Gary Neville has now found another reason to praise the Arsenal star.

Playing alongside Declan Rice, Saka adapted brilliantly to a right wing-back role against Switzerland on Saturday, still able to get forward and provide a tournament-saving strike.

If he hadn't done so already, Saka cemented his place as one of Gareth Southgate's most important performers.

Rice is arguably the only irreplaceable member of Southgate's team right now, but England would still be a lot worse off without Saka too.

That being said, it seems likely that the Arsenal winger will continue in a somewhat defensive role against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

That being said, Neville has now been discussing the good-feeling that now surrounds Saka from all sides when he's playing for England.

Speaking on the 'Stick to Football' podcast, Neville said that Saka had now become 'universally popular' when playing for England, something that's been very difficult in the past.

For years England players have been subject to fierce criticism in the face of their disappointment at major tournaments.

However, having bounced back so well from his decisive penalty miss at Euro 2020, there's arguably not a more popular player in the country right now.

Neville explained: "I think it's really difficult to be universally popular and I think he achieves that, Saka.

"I think Saka is popular with every fan. I don't think there are any fans who think I'm not sure about Saka.

"He's loveable isn't he? Just as a person, the way he plays."

Mikel Arteta wants to play Nico Williams alongside Bukayo Saka Of course, it's still remarkable to remember that some fans were calling for Southgate to drop the Arsenal winger for Cole Palmer before a ball was kicked in Germany.

The idea was perhaps mostly because Palmer was seen as too good to sit on the bench after his season with Chelsea - but dropping Saka was never going to be the answer.

Incidentally, it seems as if Arsenal are firmly interested in recruiting a new wide-forward for their front line next season.

And Arteta has decided he wants to sign Nico Williams if the club do make a move.

Williams would surely be envisioned to play the otherside of Kai Havertz alongside Saka, an incredibly exciting front three if Arteta should get his wish.

And it shouldn't be forgotten that Arsenal would still then be able to turn to Brazilian pair Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli on the sidelines too.