One former England striker was calling for Bukayo Saka to do one thing against Switzerland, but the Arsenal man ignored the advice.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka made himself a hero for his country against Switzerland last night.
The Three Lions secured a semi-final spot in the competition with a triumph on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Having adjusted his tactics, Gareth Southgate deployed Saka in a slightly unfamiliar role against Switzerland, as the 22-year-old played as a right-wing-back, rather than as an out-and-out attacker.
Despite being given this more defensive remit, the Hale End academy graduate was still a menace in the final third throughout the match.
Saka was England’s best player in the first half, as he skipped past Switzerland defenders on multiple occasions, going down the outside to get to the byline and deliver a ball into the box. However, none of this endeavour led to any tangible end product, as the game remained goalless at the break.
In the second half, with 75 minutes on the clock, Switzerland took the lead. However, just five minutes later, Saka struck back. Receiving the ball out wide from Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, he cut inside onto his stronger left foot, before unleashing a shot from range which arrowed into the net, going in off the post.
Arsenal fans were delighted by Saka’s showing against Switzerland. However, in the process of getting his goal, the young forward went against the advice of one former international.
Stan Collymore called on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to do one thing against Switzerland
Three-cap former England international Stan Collymore felt that Saka needed to keep going down the outside. Of course, in the crucial moment, on the way to grabbing his goal, the wide man did the opposite of that.
Taking to X during the match, Collymore said: “Saka potentially has his man on toast, who’s reluctant to engage the Arsenal man. But when Sakela receives or he’s passing it inside or coming inside almost as a default reaction. It’s begging for him to go outside.”
Arsenal penalty-taker Saka finds redemption from the spot for England
Saka’s goal meant that the match ultimately had to be decided by a penalty shootout. Saka missed a crucial penalty for his country in the final of Euro 2020, yet still had the courage to step up on this occasion. Against Switzerland, he scored in an assured manner.
Since his miss against Italy in the previous Euros, Mikel Arteta made Saka the main penalty taker for the Gunners. The mental strength he has shown to bounce back from that bitter experience is extraordinary.
England legend David Beckham was quick to congratulate Saka after his spot-kick.
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