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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Jude Bellingham dubs Bukayo Saka ‘Leo’ in Messi comparison after super-sub show for England

Bukayo Saka was likened to Lionel Messi by Jude Bellingham after a stunning super-sub performance for England.

The Arsenal winger came off the bench to help the Three Lions turn a potentially devastating 2-0 defeat against Germany into a confidence-boosting 3-3 draw.

After teeing up Reece James to cross for Luke Shaw to score, Saka played in Mason Mount for England’s equaliser and almost netted a thrilling late winner - but for a fine save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Following the match, Saka posted a message to Instagram praising the fans at Wembley and the team’s character.

In the comments section, Bellingham dubbed the 21-year-old “Leo” while Arsenal pal Aaron Ramsdale posted: “Starboy.”

There was plenty of love from the media too and ex-England player Jermain Defoe described the impact Saka and Mount had off the bench.

“When you get to this stage, players get an opportunity and credit to the subs who came on and made a difference,” he told Channel 4.

“Sometimes that doesn’t happen. Especially Mason Mount, he gave the manager something to think about. Great strike.”

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