Arsenal supporters have now given their verdict on the performance produced by Bukayo Saka for England v Slovenia.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka once again started for England at Euro 2024 as they took on Slovenia in Cologne.
There was plenty of pressure on the Three Lions heading into this final group stage fixture, despite the fact that their progress to the knockout rounds of the competition was already assured ahead of kick off.
For a start, the Three Lions required a win in order to ensure that they topped their group, otherwise they would be at the mercy of results elsewhere. On top of that, Gareth Southgate’s side had been underwhelming, to say the least, in their first two outings of the tournament.
The media have been critical of the national side’s performance. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has already called upon the press to support Saka and the rest of his England teammates. The players need to do their talking on the pitch, though.
Arsenal fans have insisted that Saka has shown flashes of quality throughout the competition, but it is fair to say he is yet to really produce the kind of form that he has so often conjured up under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
It was another largely frustrating evening for the 22-year-old against Slovenia. England created very little throughout the match, and Saka drifted in and out of the game. The Hale End academy graduate did put the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but it was swiftly ruled out as Phil Foden had strayed offside during the build up.
Saka was taken off with twenty minutes to go.
Arsenal fans react to Bukayo Saka display for England against Slovenia at Euro 2024
During the match, and after the final whistle, plenty of Arsenal fans took to X to discuss Saka’s impact on the game.
One supporter said: “Foden and Saka genuinely the only ones trying to make things tick , Bellingham and Kane have been horrible.”
Another agreed, stating: “It’s weird but I honestly think Foden and Saka have the best linkup of any England players out there. Slight issue when one is on the left and one is on the right. When Foden comes central England look a lot better.”
One fan claimed: “Saka seems to once again be the victim of a complete lack of service or quality interplay. Should be left on there and Bellingham should be off.”
Another Arsenal supporter expressed their concerns: “Saka is not playing like Saka we used to know at Arsenal.”
Why is Saka struggling for England?
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has suggested that Saka is suffering from the lack of having Martin Odegaard to play with. Certainly, the Arsenal duo enjoy a fantastic relationship on the pitch. Saka also combines well with fellow Englishman and Arsenal right-back Ben White, who withdrew himself from consideration for international duty.
Saka and Kyle Walker do not share any obvious natural chemistry on the field, and Jude Bellingham has struggled to build up moves in combination with the Arsenal winger.
This lack of familiarity has contributed to Saka’s difficulties with England this summer.