Arsenal star Bukayo Saka justified Gareth Southgate's trust in picking him for England's huge round of 16 World Cup clash with Senegal on Sunday night. The 21-year-old found the back of the net once again for the Three Lions to extend their lead to 3-0 and soar into the quarter-finals.
The decision to start Saka wasn't a simple one for Southgate though, given the form of Marcus Rashford in his short appearances so far in the tournament. The Manchester United forward scored once from the bench against Iran in the opening game before scoring a brace after starting against Wales.
While there were questions over the decision, Southgate explained his reasons to ITV: "He [Saka] was excellent in our first two matches, we thought Marcus [Rashford] was very good and it’s good to have him to come on as the game opens up so we’ve of course got an embarrassment of riches in that area of the pitch. We’re delighted with Bukayo’s performances and we think Phil and him deserve their opportunity."
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The Arsenal star once against justified his place in the England team, receiving plenty of praise after from former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on ITV: "I love the young players, the celebration between Saka and Foden was amazing, that goal was just delicious. The pass through the legs, the execution, and finish from Saka, it’s fantastic."
It wasn't just the manager and pundits handing him plenty of praise though as teammate Phil Foden was also celebrating Saka's display. When asked about setting up the third goal, the Manchester City man said: "I seen him [Saka] lingering around in the box, I seen Koulibaly coming across and I managed to get it through his legs.
"Bukayo is really good at that being in the right place at the right time and I’m glad I found him." The youngster is now set for a collision course with Kylian Mbappe at the weekend in a huge quarter-final tie with France to come.
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