Alan Shearer has named Bukayo Saka as England’s ‘player of the tournament’ at Euro 2024, hoping the forward would deliver another’magical moment’ against Spain.
Saka has started all six of England’s matches leading up to Sunday’s final, scoring a spectacular late equalizer in the Three Lions’ quarter-final win against Switzerland.
This weekend, the 22-year-old Arsenal star, who has played in both attack and wing-back in Germany, is likely to prolong his run in the team as England competes in their first-ever final abroad.
Three years after England’s agonizing penalty-shootout defeat to Italy, Gareth Southgate‘s side face a Spain squad with an impressive 100 percent record.
Saka will be eager to atone for his spot-kick miss at Wembley in 2021, where Gianluigi Donnarumma saved it, in order to help break England’s 58-year trophy drought.
“You have to name a few when examining who has been England’s most outstanding player,” The Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer, former Newcastle and England striker Shearer, told Betfair.
Saka has also been amazing, Kobbie Mainoo. He exudes confidence in everything, and nothing appears to phase him.
‘We all thought England’s defence could be a weak point but it hasn’t, Marc Guehi has had a really good tournament alongside John Stones.
‘Jordan Pickford deserves a mention too, not only for his penalty save, but because he’s made some big saves in big games.
‘I have to say though, Bukayo Saka is my player of the tournament. He’s had a wonderful tournament, he’s a breath of fresh air and everyone loves him.
‘Let’s hope he has another magical moment on Sunday.’
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated contest, Southgate conceded that Spain are deservedly the ‘favourites’ to get their hands on the trophy.
The England boss believes his side may have to be tactically ‘perfect’ to get the better of Luis de la Fuente’s side, who have won all six of their matches this summer.
‘They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team,’ Southgate said.
‘They have got a day longer and in the past three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant, so we have got to get our recovery spot on.
‘Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side. But, you know, we are here.’