Southgate on Bukayo Saka: A dream to work with, a fabulous boy, and a true professional

Bukayo Saka's first EURO goal in Germany proved decisive for England and Gareth Southgate. (Photo Credit: Euro2024)

Southgate on Bukayo Saka: A dream to work with, a fabulous boy, and a true professional

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 07:25 - 07.07.2024

Gareth Southgate has lavished praise on Bukayo Saka, calling him a dream to work with and an exemplary professional for his incredible work rate.

Gareth Southgate has lavished praise on Bukayo Saka, describing the Arsenal starlet as a 'dream to work with' and an 'exemplary professional' following England's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Switzerland to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

The Three Lions looked to be heading for a shock exit when the Swiss broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through Breel Embolo. 

But Saka's stunning long-range equaliser in the 80th minute forced extra time and, ultimately, a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.

In the shootout, the 22-year-old exorcised the demons of his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final, calmly slotting home to put England on course for a 5-3 victory, with Trent Alexander-Arnold netting the decisive spot-kick.

The moment Bukayo Saka redeemed himself from 12 yards for England.
The moment Bukayo Saka redeemed himself from 12 yards for England. (Photo Credit: Euro2024)

Southgate waxes lyrical about Saka

A delighted Southgate was fulsome in his praise for Saka after the game, hailing the Arsenal winger's incredible work ethic and professionalism.

He's a dream to work with,' the England boss told Euro2024.com after the pulsating clash against the Swiss. 

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
Gareth Southgate and Bukayo Saka after the game against Switzerland. 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

Bukayo is a fabulous boy, such a good professional, so much fun to be around. He does an amazing job for the team with and without the ball.'

The young forward's memorable strike means he is now the youngest player to score for the Three Lions in a European Championship quarter-final, surpassing Michael Owen's previous record.

Bukayo Saka won the MOTM during England’s win against Switzerland in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024
Bukayo Saka won the MOTM during England’s win against Switzerland in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 | IMAGO

And Southgate believes Saka's maturity and determination have been integral to England's run to the semi-finals, where they will face the Netherlands.

For somebody like Bukayo [Saka], who has been through what he's been through, to live through that moment of pressure – I'm so, so proud of them,' the manager added.

England's nerve-shredding victory means they have finally ended their penalty shootout hoodoo at major tournaments, having failed to win a spot-kick decider since the Euro 96 quarter-final against Spain.

And Southgate believes his side's triumph in the shootout is further evidence of the immense mental strength running through the squad.

Gareth Southgate wants the Three Lions to finish the job in Germany.
Gareth Southgate wants the Three Lions to finish the job in Germany. (Photo Credit: Euro2024)

We've had our demons with penalties in the past, but the work we've done on that side of the game has really paid off,' he said. 'The players have shown incredible character and resilience to come through that.'

The England boss added: 'Now the challenge is to go and win it. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, and I fully believe they've got what it takes to go all the way.'

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