England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win v Serbia on Sunday evening, and Arsenal fans have now had their say on Bukayo Saka’s display.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was named in the England starting XI for this fixture.
Saka passed a late fitness test and was therefore drafted straight into Gareth Southgate’s starting line up, deployed on the right flank for the Three Lions. Mikel Arteta will surely have been watching on closely, hoping to see his charge play well and, crucially, avoid injury.
The 22-year-old winger is a key figure for his country. Amongst Southgate’s squad selection for this tournament, only Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane can better the Hale End academy graduate’s tally of 11 goals for his country.
Saka started brightly, exuding energy and confidence on the wing, and he was able to provide an assist with twelve minutes on the clock, as his deflected cross found Jude Bellingham, who found the back of the net with a thunderous header from close range.
The Arsenal man continued to be one of England’s more dangerous looking players, putting to rest any concerns that may have existed that he was coming into this tournament with some fatigue, having featured so regularly for the Gunners over the course of the domestic campaign.
As Serbia improved after the break, Saka’s influence on the match lessened, and he was withdrawn from the action with 15 minutes to go but with his mark on the match having already very much been made.
Arsenal fans give verdict on Bukayo Saka display for England v Serbia at Euro 2024
Many supporters of the North London club were willing Saka to impress against Serbia, and will have been proud of the performance that he put in.
One fan said: “Starboy for a reason.”
Another stated: “if Saka continues like this, no player is taking his spot in the England National team. He such a wonderful and talented player.”
One supporter added: “Shushing all those haters on the big stage is poetic. Love that for him starboy.”
One other observed: “This is why Saka is never 100% fit. He always plays while carrying a knock but still looks like one of the best players on the pitch. Rinse and repeat. At some point Arsenal have to shut him down for a month and refuse to let him play until he’s 100%. Break the cycle.”
Saka gave Arsenal fans a kick by reporting for England duty with club merchandise in tow, and he clearly added to their joy tonight.
Arsenal players and transfer targets at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode of Cannon Fire – The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discuss the European Championships. With 11 Arsenal players set to feature at the tournament, the pair debated which players could be fighting for their futures, and which are destined to succeed on the international stage.