Bukayo Saka’s message to Arsenal legend after starring role in England’s win over Czech Republic



Bukayo Saka said England will take plenty of confidence into next Tuesday’s round of 16 game against one from France, Portugal or Germany after the Arsenal youngster spearheaded a much-improved attacking performance to see off Czech Republic at Wembley this evening.

Raheem Sterling’s 12th-minute goal was enough to seal top spot in Group D as Saka played an integral role in the build up and ended up with the player of the match award.

Gareth Southgate’s team also recorded a third consecutive clean sheet as they now return to St George’s Park to prepare for a knockout game that will see Wembley’s capacity raised to 50%.

Saka said: “The objective was to win the group. We did that, job done. It’s now on to the next round against much harder teams but we can take a lot of confidence having not conceded a goal and playing some goodattacking football in this last game. We’ll go into it with confidence especially being at Wembley in front of our own fans.”

The 19-year-old Hale End graduate was also grateful for Ian Wright’s praise in the ITV studio at half-time.

Speaking at half-time the former Arsenal striker was effusive. “It’s what we wanted, it’s what we wanted against Scotland and it didn’t happen,” he said. “We were hoping we’d see it today and we did. Saka, when he picks up the ball, his only intention is to attack.

“He’s been doing that for Arsenal all season and once you get into this situation, Jack gets the ball, his movement brings the defender in and then Raheem Sterling gets the goal. It’s what we deserved by the way we started the game.”

Told of the high praise from a club legend he has known since long before his breakthrough in north London, Saka replied: “Thank you Ian. He’s always supported me so thank you for that. I just try to stick to what I do all season.

“It was one of the biggest careers of my game, easily, and I had all day to think about it. I had the backing of my manager, my team-mates. They believe in me and when you have that it gives you confidence instead of making you nervous.”

Saka learnt that he would be starting following a team meeting this morning, presumably when confirmation arrived that Mason Mount would be ruled out due to Covid-19 protocols. But having all day to think about his tournament debut did not make him nervous.

“I wouldn’t say it was difficult mentally. I have been training, waiting, looking and learning to wait for my opportunity. I am happy the boss gave me the opportunity and I just gave my all on the pitch to get the win. It’s going to be much harder teams with who we face. Whoever we come up against we an have confidence especially with it being at Wembley with our fans.”





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