What Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka did when he arrived at England’s Euro 2024 hotel that impressed England boss Gareth Southgate.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign got underway on Sunday evening with victory, as they narrowly defeated Serbia 1-0.
Saka was one of the brightest sparks and constantly had the beating of his man down the right, which paid off when he assisted Jude Bellingham’s winning goal.
The Arsenal winger is considered one of the best young players at the tournament and to reach that level, he’s had to work extremely hard behind the scenes which only his coaches see.
Gareth Southgate impressed by Bukayo Saka’s professionalism
The Daily Mail ran a report which added great insight into what Saka is like off the field.
The outlet notes that he is a very likeable character in the Arsenal and England dressing room but it’s his ‘steely core’ that Southgate admirers most.
The Three Lions boss has been impressed by his professionalism – amplified by what he did when he first arrived at England’s camp.
“One of Saka’s first moves as he strode into England’s hotel here in Germany was to check out the facilities that would aid his recovery between matches. Saunas and steam rooms — he has been suitably impressed. He is obsessed with rest and repair,” Sami Mokbel wrote.
Bukayo Saka has to start vs Denmark
Many were sceptical at whether Saka should start the tournament but he answered those doubters emphatically.
With the emergence of Cole Palmer this season, his starting place on the right has certainly come under a lot more threat.
However, his display against Serbia will surely be enough to convince Southgate to start him against Denmark on Thursday.