Bukayo Saka showcased maturity beyond his years in a refreshing post-match interview following England’s 1-0 win against Czech Republic.
The 19-year-old forward was given a vote of confidence from Gareth Southgate in the form of a first European Championship start on Tuesday night – and he soon repaid that faith with another Man of the Match outing at Wembley.
He not only completed the most take-ons during the Group D clash but played a pivotal role in Raheem Sterling’s winner, providing some much-needed pace and drive in the build-up with a penetrating solo run from deep. Just check it out below.
The assist king π±π²πΉπΆππ²πΏπ… and #ENG lead! π
β‘οΈ Incisive run from @BukayoSaka87
π½ @JackGrealish puts it on a plate
π @Sterling7 does the rest#CZEENG | #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/rqIApvGwAEβ ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2021
Saka continued to cause the Czech Republic problems with his speed, dribbling ability and overall versatility – and many are now calling for the Arsenal man to be selected again for their upcoming round of 16 clash on June 29 at Wembley.
The London-born winger certainly impressed on the pitch and moments after the final whistle, he earned even more praise from fans on social media with a great post-match interview in front of millions watching at home.
“[The manager] told me to go out there, play my game and express myself – like I have at my club all season.” @BukayoSaka87 certainly added some spice to tonight’s #ENG performance πΆ
π€ @GabrielClarke05 #CZEENG | #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/0F3Cl45NPJ
β ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2021
5 – Bukayo Saka’s five completed take-ons are the joint-most by an English teenager at a major tournament since we have full data for the EUROs (1980) and World Cup (1966), equalling Raheem Sterling in 2014 vs Uruguay and Michael Owen in 1998 vs Argentina. Wavy. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/QAHudQWZ5y
β OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 22, 2021
Perhaps the stand-out quote from Saka’s interview was when he revealed Gareth Southgate‘s sound pre-match advice.
“He just told me to go out there and play my game and express myself how I’ve played at my club all season,” the 19-year-old said.
“Sometimes that means dropping in and driving at opponents and I did that, it got us up the pitch.
‘It was a good cross from Jack and Raheem was at the right place at the right time again to score us a goal. I was up there, but I’m not quite tall enough!”
Saka comes across as a young talent with his feet very firmly planted on the ground. Loved that interview. Tough to take him out after that performance as well.
β Paul Berry (@paulberry2303) June 22, 2021
That interview by Saka (easily the best player tonight) was so refreshing – articulate, courteous & self assured- he seems a wonderful young man! #englandvsczech
β Philip Binns (@Binnsphilip) June 22, 2021
I must say Bukayo Saka came across really well in that interview.
I would have just grunted at that age pic.twitter.com/vfNI0JiT2Bβ Withnailmarwood (@Withnailmarwood) June 22, 2021
What a great interview by our Saka. Comes across as a well rounded and intelligent young man.
β Peter N (@gooner1947) June 22, 2021
That Saka is some boy, Arsenalβs best player already and speaks so well in interviews.
β Dan (@DanBoredman) June 22, 2021
Saka is such a likeable guy. That interview shows it more than anything, can tell how happy he is to be living every football fans dream
β πππ§. πΉ (@1874dan) June 22, 2021
Do you think Saka deserves to start England’s next game at the European Championship after such a great outing against the Czech Republic?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: ITV Football