Bukayo Saka scored a sensational goal to help England produce one of the most comfortable football scores of the weekend in Euro 2024 qualifying. Saka’s fantastic cross set up Harry Kane’s opening goal in England’s 2-0 win over Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday, and he then scored a brilliant long-range goal. His effort earned him the player of the match award, and he continued to bring his great club form into England games with a strong display in Thursday’s win over Italy. This season, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and given 10 assists for Premier League champions Arsenal while also becoming a crucial member of his national squad.
Southgate has spoken about him bringing “ruthlessness” to his goal-scoring game, and the England manager was pleased to see the kid continue in the same vein as England made it two wins from two in Euro 2024 qualifying.
“I just think he plays with true belief now when he’s in front of goal,” England boss Gareth Southgate said. “That is seen in his club and in his games with us. You expect him to score now when he goes through, and that’s more of a mental adjustment than anything technical because he’s always had the skill. I believe he understands that in order to be a truly elite wide player, he must provide a high amount of goals and assists, and he has done it consistently this season.”
Saka’s goal was his eighth for England, trailing only Dixie Dean (16), Jimmy Greaves (16), Wayne Rooney (12), and Michael Owen (10) among players his age.
“His hunger and humility are what has put him on the right track. He possesses all of the characteristics necessary to continue to progress and learn since that is how he is wired. With how he and his family are, I don’t see it changing. He has a lot of people rooting for him, which is crucial for a young athlete,” he added. “I’m not going to get caught up in where he fits in the world of football because it would put me at risk of doing all the things we shouldn’t be doing with him. But he’s making great progress and is a joy to deal with, so we should leave it at that.”
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