England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed his pleasure with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s performance against Czech Republic in last night’s Group D clash.
Saka was handed his first start of the tournament as part of four changes to the England starting XI from the draw with Scotland and the teenager has given Southgate a tough decision to make.
It was Saka’s driving run that began the move for Raheem Sterling’s goal as the Arsenal man made a strong case for inclusion for England’s last-16 clash next week.
The teenager’s performance drew plaudits from pundits in the TV studio but more importantly for him from the England boss.
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“We’ve been super impressed with Bukayo throughout the whole month,” Southgate told ITV Sport post-match. “He was excellent up in Middlesbrough and we’ve really liked him with and without the ball.
“Tonight, his receiving under pressure was fantastic.”
Southgate’s praise for Saka was echoed by the manager’s former England teammates Gary Neville and Ian Wright.
“Saka, when he picks up the ball, his only intention is to attack. He’s been doing that for Arsenal all season,” Wright said.
Neville added: “I’m hoping Phil Foden watching that, who’s been out because of the yellow card, I hope he’s watching Saka, who’s taking the ball on the back foot all of the time, he’s driving at people.
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“That’s what we expected from Foden in the first two games, we didn’t quite get it, we know how exceptional he is. I think he could have inspired his teammates tonight, Saka.”
Saka’s performance has put him in contention to retain his starting spot when England return to action for the knockout stages next week.
However, the Arsenal player faces stiff competition from the returning Foden and Mason Mount.
The Chelsea star will technically be available for the clash following the end of his coronavirus isolation period at 12:01am on Tuesday morning. Whilst not a direct rival to Saka positionally the inclusion of Mount could impact the shape of the team and see Saka return to the bench.
Saka could not have done much more against the Czech Republic to keep his name in the hat for an England start and the attacking-midfielder was delighted with his showing.
“I’m happy with the performance from myself and from the team,” Saka said.
“He [Southgate] just told me to go out there, express myself, and play how I played at my club all season and sometimes that means dropping in, driving at the opponents – I did that.
“It was a good cross from Jack and Raheem was in the right place at the right time again to score us a goal. I was up there but I’m not quite tall enough!”