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By Martin Graham | 27th Mar 2023
Gareth Southgate has hailed in-form Bukayo Saka, saying the Englishman has developed a “ruthless” streak that has seen him reach new heights this season.
The 21-year-old created the assist for England’s first goal and scored a stunning second in the space of three minutes as the Three Lions beat Ukraine 2-0 at Wembley on Sunday, to maintain their 100 percent start to Euro 2024 qualifying in Group C.
Harry Kane scored his 55th England goal from Saka’s clever cross, before the Arsenal winger collected Jordan Henderson’s pass to bend in a brilliant effort into the top corner from outside the box.
That strike means Saka has scored 17 goals for club and country this season and has seven from his last 12 international starts for England. It is a noticeable improvement on his previous form and Southgate credits it to the youngster’s new-found ruthlessness upfront.
Southgate hails Saka after brilliant performance against Ukraine
Speaking after the game, Southgate said: Southgate said: “That is the ruthless part he has added to his game in the last 18 months or so. There were times you weren’t sure he was going to finish, but now he has that confidence in front of goal.
“I just think when he’s in front of goal now, he plays with real belief. That is evident with his club and it is evident in the games with us. You are expecting him to score now when he goes through and that’s been a mentality shift as much as anything technical. He’s always had the technique.
“I think he knows to be a really top wide player you need the number of goals and assists and without a doubt he has delivered that all season.
“His hunger, his humility is what has got him on a good path. He has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that’s how he’s wired and I don’t see that changing with how he is and how his family are.
“He’s got great support around him and all those things are important for a young player. I’m not going to get drawn into where he sits in world football because that would then be starting to put him in danger of doing all the things we shouldn’t be doing with him. He’s progressing brilliantly, he’s a joy to work with and we should leave it at that.”
Saka will be looking to continue his brilliant form when Arsenal take on Leeds in the Premier League after the international break.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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