Even after his performance for a below par Arsenal side last season, which saw the 19year old named Player of the Season for the North Londoners, not many will see Bukayo Saka in the England squad for the Euros, given the crop of talents currently on show for them.
It appeared a shock to many, when he was selected by manager Gareth Southgate, while many questioned his selection, after the England manager forgo the likes of Jesse Lingard, who has been simply sensational since the turn of the calendar year.
The teenager got the chance to shut up his critics in England’s pre tournament warm up game, against Austria, scoring the only goal of the game to cap off a brilliant individual display, which also earned him the Man of The Match Award.
Saka did not feature in England’s first two games in the Euros, but was selected in the starting XI for their crucial final group game, against Czech Republic and thus becomes only the second Arsenal teenager to start for England in a major tournament, after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He had a big impact in what led to the only goal of the game which was eventually scored by Raheem Sterling and Saka, picked up yet another Man of The Match Award.
Bukayo Saka also completed five take-ons in the game, which is a joint-most by an English teenager at a major tournament since full data has been recorded for the European Championship (1980) and World Cup (1966), equalling Raheem Sterling in 2014 against Uruguay and Michael Owen in 1998 against Argentina.
On that night, the Arsenal academy graduate had already started five senior games for England, winning three Man of The Match Awards in the process.
After being selected to start the game against Germany, he becomes only the third teenager to start for England in a knockout game at a major tournament, joining a list of elites of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
He was not in the squad for England’s 4-0 win over Ukraine but did return for the semi final win over Spain, where he become player to start a match at the semi final stage or later in a major tournament.
He assisted England’s equaliser, with his cross to Raheem Sterling awkwardly diverted into the Denmark net by Simon Kjær.
The Arsenal star boy has made himself irresistible in a team where you have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and others not getting game times. His versatility has helped England in this tournament.
And as many are eager to question Gareth Southgate for picking him over others in the squad, his performances are always there to answer his critics, and since it is the result that matters, Southgate will care less what the pundits might say.
He has played his part well in getting England into their first final in a major tournament in 55 years, and whether or not he starts on Sunday, he will always be one of England’s most important players, in this tournament.
Gareth Southgate will also want a share of the plaudits for believing and showing faith in the player, despite knowing how much he will have to answer for the decision.
The future looks even more promising now for Bukayo Saka. Arsenal and England have a genius on their list. With the Gunners current struggles, getting quality players around this gem might be what they need to return to past glory.
And for England, though they have had an easier route to the final compared to their opponent on Sunday, all eyes will be on the main prize as they look for their first ever UEFA European Championship title, in their first ever final.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
2 Comments
They should just believe that Bukayo he can do anything in the game
Let truth be told,,,this man is very powerful and energetic to face any opponent