Starboy Saka

Written by:

Tom Dean

Bukayo Saka reflects on his man of the match performance as England finish top of Group D

READ SOUTHGATE"S REACTION HERE

Gareth Southgate’s instructions for Bukayo Saka to ‘express himself’ worked a charm as the teenager turned in a man of the man performance in England’s 1-0 win over Czech Republic.

The Arsenal man was a surprise inclusion in the startling line-up for many but justified his selection with his relentless running and dynamism at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Tuesday night.

Saka was one of four changes made by Gareth Southgate from the draw against Scotland and started the move that saw another new face, Jack Grealish, assist Raheem Sterling for the winner.

"It was a really good performance from us,” said the 19 year old. “We played some really good football at times. Of course, with us already qualified before the game, we had more freedom to express ourselves.

“I think that showed in some of the football we played and I’m happy with the performance from myself and the team. The manager told me to go out, play my game and express myself.

“To play how I have played for my club all season and sometimes that means dropping in and driving at the opponents and I did that and got us up the pitch.”

Victory means England finish top of Group D and now face an anxious wait to find out who their last-16 opponents will be.

But Saka believes a Wembley crowd can act as a 12th-man for the game on Tuesday 29 June and help push England deeper into the tournament.

"It is important for us to be here at Wembley,” he added. “We have played here a lot and won here a lot so we have a lot of confidence when we play in this stadium.

“With our fans, it is like an extra man for us. It is going to be a real boost for us to stay here at Wembley.

22 Jun 2021

Czech Republic 0-1 England

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