He was phenomenal — Southgate singles out Saka for praise

Gareth Southgate and Bukayo Saka after the game against Switzerland.

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England vs Switzerland Bukayo Saka and Gareth Southgate head coach of England celebrates at the end of the UEFA EURO, EM, Europameisterschaft || Image credit: Imago

He was phenomenal — Southgate singles out Saka for praise

Faruq Ibrahim 23:10 - 06.07.2024

England boss Gareth Southgate sang the praises of Bukayo Saka.

England national team manager Gareth Southgate heaped praise on Bukayo Saka following his performance against Switzerland and his nerveless penalty in the shootout. 

England forced extra time against the Swiss thanks to a stunning strike from Bukayo Saka. The game eventually went into penalties after neither team failed to score in extra time. 

The Three Lions were perfect in the shootout, winning 5-3. Saka stepped up to take the third, and he sent Yann Sommer the wrong way. The last time Saka was involved in a shootout for England at an international tournament was Euro 2020 when he missed during the final against Italy. 

What followed was racism and vitriol, with the Arsenal man scapegoated by unscrupulous elements. He has since overcome the incident, and this penalty shows his growth and mental fortitude, a fact that Southgate ensured to stress. 

What Southgate said 

"I am so proud of the players, Southgate said, per the BBC. “I thought we played well. We had to defend extremely well as a team. We caused them problems with the way we used the ball. We had a big threat with Bukayo down the right for the whole game.

England manager Gareth Southgate shakes the hand of Bukayo Saka of England after 90 minutes England v Switzerland, UEFA European Championship || Image credit: Imago
England manager Gareth Southgate shakes the hand of Bukayo Saka of England after 90 minutes England v Switzerland, UEFA European Championship || Image credit: Imago

 "We have total trust in him. His all-round performance was phenomenal for the team. To show the fortitude to convert the penalty as he did, I love them all but I had to give him an extra big hug. 

“I know myself these experience shape you. He has come back stronger, still resilient and loved. Tonight his tournament ignited a little bit.

England will play the Netherlands in the semi-finals for a chance to face either Spain or France in their bid to win their first-ever European Championship.

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