Bukayo Saka: I Agree With Anthony Joshua’s Assessment Of England’s Euro Campaign

By The Editor
on 29th June 2024

Saka taps into Anthony Joshua’s rallying call…

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka agrees with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s sentiment that scrutiny is part and parcel of being an elite athlete in England, talkSPORT reports.

Joshua, who’s had his own experiences of being built up and torn down by the British public, urged the England players to focus on “laughing last” and winning the European Championships.

The 34-year-old, who was promoting his upcoming world championship fight at Wembley Stadium against Daniel Dubois, said the players can have the last laugh against critics by focusing on performances on the pitch.

As England prepare to face Slovakia in the last-16 with a chance to reach the last eight in three consecutive tournaments as they look to end a generational curse.

“I agree with him,” Saka responded when asked about Joshua’s comments about having the final say.

“I think that’s a great comment and I hope we laugh last.”

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Saka hasn’t had the best start to the tournament by his high standards as England stumbled across the line as group winners.

Gareth Southgate seems to be juggling several issues – some self-inflicted – as he looks to settle on a balanced side.

As ever with an England side at an international tournament, a media circus follows the team on a daily basis and it seems Southgate’s decisions are sometimes designed with that in mind.

Instead of making changes, Southgate needs to instruct the team to funnel the ball to Saka quicker and let him flourish. The 22-year-old is one of two natural wide men in the squad and while Southgate cannot find room for Anthony Gordon, Saka’s ability to carry the ball at pace needs to be a weapon England take advantage of.