Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was criticised at times in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, but it was him who stepped up in the crucial moment.
England found themselves 1-0 down to Switzerland after Breel Embolo beat Kyle Walker to prod in, but when they needed inspiration, Saka delivered on the big stage.
It was expected that the Arsenal winger would start at left wing-back in a major tactical shake-up, but whilst Gareth Southgate did change formation, Saka still stayed on the right side, and was England’s most threatening player in the first half.
With England heading for the exit, Saka cut inside and fired a fierce shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to send fans across the Nation into raptures.
England then battled through extra time with the score ending 1-1, before they then secured their place in the semi-final on penalties, with every player including Saka scoring their spot kick.
Arsenal fans praise Bukayo Saka after crucial goal for England in Euro 2024 victory
Arsenal fans took to X to heap praise on the Hale End graduate’s overall performance even aside from his goal. Saka, who has spent his entire career at the Emirates before shining on the International stage, was outstanding throughout the game as England’s main goal threat despite coming from a deeper position.
“Saka has the intelligence to play any position, on either wing or in the middle He consistently scores and creates chances, can go inside or outside, ball to feet or run in behind, is both footed and works his socks off,” one fan pointed out.
“Saka continues to be England’s most threatening attacker,” one fan posted during the first half.
“They put Saka at RWB and he’s still England’s best, most creative player,” another added, highlighting how he has still performed well despite being asked to change position.
“People who don’t watch Arsenal don’t get it, but it’s *always* Saka. Whenever we need something, whenever we’re struggling, it’s him. He’s always the one to change the game,” one pointed out.
“Saka has been outstanding all game,” another added.
Bukayo Saka was England’s best player against Switzerland
Despite being shifted to right wing-back, Saka was England’s most threatening player throughout the 90 minutes and in extra time.
Most of England’s attacks went through the right side, and with Walker dropping into centre-back, Saka had little support on the overlap. Despite this, he held the ball well, and terrorised Switzerland left wing-back Michel Aebischer.
Saka completed all four of his dribbles, fired in three shots, and created two chances, more than anyone else on the pitch.
With England facing a quarter-final exit, it was Saka who delivered the moment of pure quality to provide the equaliser. He received criticism at times during the tournament, and Arsenal fans are right to leap to his defence.
Saka eventually moved to left wing-back, and he made a vital block when Switzerland found themselves in on goal deep into extra time, and this capped off a complete performance.
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