Gareth Southgate hails Arsenal star for ‘brilliant’ thing he did as England reach Euro 2024 final

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England beat The Netherlands with a dramatic 2-1 victory in which Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka started.

Rice endured a tough game as he was dispossessed in the build-up to the opening goal from The Netherlands, which was scored by reported Arsenal target Xavi Simons.

Saka enjoyed yet another stellar performance after he lit up the quarter-finals, and he continued in his surprise role at right wing-back.

Although he had what could have been the winning goal disallowed for offside, Saka was a constant threat throughout the game, and England manager Gareth Southgate has now praised him for his display.

Gareth Southgate hails Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for selfless display in England win

Speaking to reporters after the game, Southgate heaped praise on the 22-year-old, and highlighted his versatility within the game to support the team.

“We were fluid in formation, Bukayo did a brilliant job,” Southgate stated.

“People like Bukayo Saka, the defensive responsibility he had. He started defending as a wing-back, then he had to go into midfield to defend, then he had to defend as a winger, there was so many things like that going on all night but I was very impressed.”

Bukayo Saka stands out for England again

Saka was outstanding yet again for England, and this came from an unfamiliar position as he started at wing-back.

He still got forward well though, and at times found himself in behind the Dutch defence, but with no one waiting in the box for his cutbacks.

It was a selfless display from Saka as he helped others including Phil Foden gain the ball in attacking positions rather than advancing higher himself, and he also tracked back to help defensively.

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Saka completed 100% of his tackles, all of his dribbles and all of his crosses, whilst winning three duels and creating a chance.

He also had a goal disallowed after a fine finish, as Kyle Walker strayed marginally offside, and Saka has now quietened the noise to cement his certain starting spot in the final against Spain.