England Star Praises Bukayo Saka’s Response To Euro Heartache

By The Editor
on 11th February 2022

Declan Rice praises Bukayo Saka’s form after a difficult summer…

England star Declan Rice has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka and how he’s responded to the fallout from last summer’s Euro 2020 heartache, the midfielder told The Overlap.

Saka, after his breakthrough season with the national team, exploded during last summer’s tournament, starting in three games on the way to the final.

The 20-year-old was one of three players to miss from the spot-kick against Italy which robbed England of their first major trophy since 1966.

Saka was subsequently subjected to abhorrent racial abuse on social media, causing an outpouring of support across the globe for the beloved winger.

Unlike other England internationals from that squad, Saka isn’t suffering from any hangover from that tournament this season.

The support around the Hale End graduate and the environment at Arsenal has allowed him to reach new heights this season, with Saka already in double figures for goal contributions.

“They’re three top, top lads and I couldn’t say enough about them,” Rice said while reflecting on abuse directed at Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

“For that to come out, after what we’ve been through as a country, everyone was disappointed more than anything.

“But, if you look at Saka this season, he’s been unbelievable, he’s really bounced back,” Rice added.

If you’ve been around long enough, you’ll know that one of the most iconic images attached to Gareth Southgate’s playing days is his penalty miss at Euro ’96.

Players sometimes never recover from those experiences, especially at the age of 19. How Saka has responded is a testament to his mental strength his support system.

The England international is one of the most devastating wingers in the Premier League despite his tender age and will be a big part of Southgate’s group for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.