Rio Ferdinand thinks Bukayo Saka’s form for Arsenal should make him a starter at the World Cup this winter, assuming he can keep it up.

Bukayo Saka has been in excellent form for Arsenal lately, scoring five goals and assisting four in his last 10 appearances for the Gunners.

In the middle of those 10 appearances, Saka linked up with England and put in a starring performance in the comeback draw with Germany.

With that kind of form for club and country, Rio Ferdinand thinks Saka should be Gareth Southgate’s number-one option going into the World Cup.

“In this form (for Arsenal), you can’t look past Saka on that right-wing spot,” Ferdinand said. “In an England shirt as well, he does it as well.

“I’ve watched him a couple of times this year live as well, when he gets [the ball], his first instinct and intentions are to go past you. He wants to attack the full-back.

“I love that about him. He’s got no fear, he’s playing with a bit more maturity every time I see him.

“If he’s in that mode going into the World Cup, I don’t see anybody starting in front of him on the right-hand side.”

Saka is certainly earning a starting role for his country with his performances at club level. It’s difficult to pick out an England player anywhere on the pitch in better form than the Arsenal man, let alone a right-winger.

Southgate is set to name his preliminary squad for Qatar on October 20th, and there should be no doubts about Saka’s involvement on that list.

After that, he’ll likely have four or five more starts to continue to make an impression with Arsenal before the tournament begins.