Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and one player that the Gunners have been linked with have both now reached out to the same player.
England were able to secure their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 last night, as they overcame Switzerland via a penalty shootout.
It was a tightly contested affair between the two sides, with Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice named in the starting XI for the Three Lions, and both players played a key role in ultimately getting Gareth Southgate’s side over the line.
In the middle of the park, Rice came up against former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, and the former West Ham man was able to do a good job of not allowing the Swiss ace to dictate the tempo of the match and carve out opportunities for his teammates.
Meanwhile, after Switzerland went ahead in the 75th minute, Saka was the man to strike back for his country. Ignoring the advice of one former England star, Saka cut inside from the right, onto his stronger left foot, and fired a shot from range into the bottom corner. This finish was enough to force the game to extra time, and eventually a penalty shootout.
Having missed a vital spot-kick in the final of Euro 2020, there was enormous pressure on Saka as he walked up to take his penalty. The 22-year-old showed huge courage by even agreeing to take one at all.
England legend David Beckham was quick to congratulate Saka for his conversion. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will also have been delighted to see the Hale End academy graduate earn this moment of redemption on the international stage.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard and striker Ivan Toney hail Bukayo Saka after England showing
After England’s victory over Switzerland, Saka took to Instagram to post a picture of himself proudly holding up his well-deserved player of the match award.
The Gunners’ captain, Martin Odegaard, responded to this post with a red heart emoji. Fellow Emirates Stadium colleagues, Emile Smith Rowe and Oleksandr Zinchenko, also sent messages of support, as did the North London club’s sporting director Edu.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who also buried his penalty in the shootout, replied with two emojis of his own, of smiling faces with hearts for eyes.
Arsenal still a potential destination for Toney
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Toney for some time, as Arteta is keen to add firepower to his ranks this summer.
In his cameos at Euro 2024, the 28-year-old has shown he can make an impact at the top of the pitch. With his nerveless penalty, he also demonstrated that he has the kind of confidence and belief that he would need to step up to leading the line at the Emirates Stadium.
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