Alan Shearer was full of praise for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka during England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia tonight.
Bukayo Saka featured for just 30 minutes during England’s warm-up games ahead of the tournament in Germany.
Cole Palmer impressed in the absence of the Arsenal star and many wondered whether the latter could miss out on the opener. But Saka started from the off at the Veltins-Arena and put in an excellent first-half display.
The Hale End Academy product set up Jude Bellingham for England’s opener after a brilliantly timed run in behind and delivery.
And it’s fair to say that Alan Shearer was impressed with Saka while co-commentating on the game on BBC One.
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Shearer delivers Saka verdict as England beat Serbia
Saka was causing Serbia’s left-hand side real problems with his movement off the ball. England’s goal came from a brilliant run inside Filip Kostic and Shearer picked up on Saka’s movement.
“Filip Kostic and Strahinja Pavlovic down that Serbia left hand side don’t know what day it is,” the Newcastle United legend said.
“Every single time Bukayo Saka gets the ball there is a stepover or a run past them, he’s having huge success down there, keep giving him the ball.”
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Saka key to England’s Euro 2024 hopes
Saka is working his way back to full fitness after missing the final game of the season for Arsenal through injury. But the first half displayed just how key he is to this current England side.
The 22-year-old faded slightly in the second half as Southgate’s men dropped deeper and was replaced by Jarrod Bowen in the 76th minute.
His dip in performance in the second half was to be expected after a spell on the sidelines but his assist proved vital for the Three Lions en route to a 1-0 victory.