At Arsenal, Bukayo Saka isn't used to this level of attention, but with England, things have gone a bit differently. The Hale-End star's spot at Arsenal is still assured under Mikel Arteta, even if he is not playing well. The Arsenal forward, however, has had a different experience for England at Euro 2024 after he disproved his detractors on Saturday. England defeated Switzerland on penalties to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Gary Neville praised and cheered for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who was named Man of the Match.
Saka's goal in the 80th minute sent the match into extra time, and the former right-back was not only thrilled with his performance but also delighted that he had converted his penalty shoot. Neville said in their build-up to the Netherlands vs Turkey that the Arsenal player "looked so calm" before taking his penalty and that his actual spot-kick was "beautiful." Saka has faced criticism and questions throughout the competition, but at crucial moments, he stood tall and demonstrated his values to the world.
It should be mentioned that he missed his penalty kick in the Euro 2020 final, which resulted in Italy defeating England; yet, this served as his atonement. Neville did point out, though, that Saka was able to bounce back from similar situations, while many players in the past were unable to. The Sky Sports analyst also observed Saka appearing to mouth the phrase "stop talking, blah, blah, blah" to the detractors following the full-time whistle. At Euro 2024, Bukayo Saka assists England in defeating Switzerland. As Saka took his penalty, Neville retorted, "He looks calm, doesn't he, he looks relaxed, to be fair." Neville applauds as Saka scores, saying, "Ooooh, that was beautiful." Take a look at that smile.
You know what, I adore that smile. That smile truly is beautiful. Congratulations. I'm happy for Saka. Even though what he went through four years ago was challenging, his smile just beams happiness. Numerous guys that I have witnessed go through it never come back. Their confidence has diminished. However, he is an excellent player. Neville talked about Saka, who began the competition in his customary right-wing position but ended up playing as a wing-back against the Swiss.
"He was a huge threat," the former Manchester United player continued. To provide balance to that left side, I assumed he would play left-wing-back. It did not occur. We weren't expecting to see him on the right. He kept that aspect to himself, exerted genuine dominance, and posed by far the greatest threat to England.
That's right, he's telling you to shut up and quit talking. That is, I believe, to us. "He is one of those players who, in my opinion, is appreciated by every fan from every club. I don't know many players who can transcend certain types of club rivalries. When you look at him, all you can think is that he is such a delight to be around, and his game exudes happiness and spirit. He is a combatant. He never gives up, is constantly chasing the ball, and is everything a child might hope for in a football player.
The Arsenal player is currently in a phase of his career where he is beginning to play at a high level and consistently. However, others doubt whether he is up to that elite level given that he has only participated in one Champions League season and has only won the FA Cup. Those folks are free to ask any questions they want because Saka is climbing the football ladder faster and faster. The pressure he was under and the way he performed when it counted most made this most recent England performance one of his greatest, if not his best yet.
