Gareth Southgate has revealed that Bukayo Saka has undergone a “mentality shift” to help him become a difference-maker for both Arsenal and England.
The 21-year-old set up Harry Kane’s opening goal against Ukraine on Sunday before scoring a stunning 20-yard strike just two minutes later as England eased to a win in Euro 2024 qualification.
It notched Saka’s tally to 16 goals and seven assists for club and country this season as he collected the man of the match award at Wembley.
Speaking after the match, Southgate lauded the Gunners winger who is increasingly becoming key for his national team.
He said: “I just think when he’s in front of goal now he plays with real belief. That’s evident with his club and that’s evident in the games with us.
“You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through and I think that’s been a mentality shift as much as it’s anything technical.
“He’s always had the technique, so I think he knows to be a really top wide player you need the numbers of goals and assists and he has, without a doubt, delivered that all season.
“His hunger and his humility have got him on a good path so he has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that is how he is wired, and I don’t see that changing with him and his family.
A smart finish from Saka puts @England two goals up 😍 #C4Football | #ThreeLions | #ENGUKR pic.twitter.com/3nd5h8HD1o
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) March 26, 2023
“I am not going to get drawn on where he is in world football. He is progressing brilliantly, a joy to work with.”
Saka also started in England’s 2-1 win in Italy which has put them in pole position to qualify from Group C for Euro 2024 in Germany.
On a near-perfect night, the one concern was the health of Phil Foden after he underwent an operation to remove his appendix on the morning before kick-off.
Southgate confirmed the circumstances around his withdrawal: “Phil, over the last 48 hours he had been having some symptoms and our doctor got a bit more concerned yesterday afternoon so thankfully he was in a good position to see a specialist and get it operated on.
“But it’s a huge disappointment for him and us he has had a few camps with injuries, but on the back of the World Cup we were hoping to see that but also been suffering with a foot problem.”
