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Gareth Southgate praised Arsenal teenager Pocayo Saka for his best performance in England’s 4-0 win over Iceland on Wednesday night.
After his continued success at club level with Arsenal, the 19-year-old took advantage of his opportunities for his country and impressed in matches against Ireland, Belgium and Iceland over the past week..
Saka announced his case to start as a left-back in the European Championships next year, and Southgate praised the youngster’s influence on the Three Lions team.
« Seeing Bukayo again was a real plus, » Southgate told Sky Sports after the Nations League match..
“I think he’s actually given three excellent performances this week, for someone very young in particular.
« It gives us a good balance to have an attacking-minded player in this position, it’s really helpful..
Southgate pits Iceland against Wembley. Declan Rice snapped a sneak peek at his first goal for his country as Mason Mount added a second before Phil Foden’s duo opened their account on the Three Lions and clinched the win.
Given their young pool of talent, the England coach expects his team to improve in the next few years.
The England coach added: « I think their talent has been great over the past few days. ». “It was a very difficult game, all the players were hearing messages that this was meaningless and there was nothing to play for but they played for. There were great opportunities for the young players but also for some of the older players.. .
“We’re still trying to build and improve all the time. There was great football and it was good to watch and it was good for the youth to score goals – which is special for them.
“The team that we have had over the past three months will peak in the next three to five years and they will have more club experience and international experience.. We’ll invest time in it. There are some good senior professionals too.
“We are still working on balancing players for the system. Our offensive play was very good.
« If it’s the problem with having good players on the team, that’s fine.
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England national football team, European Nations League, Phil Foden, Gareth Southgate, Iceland national football team
World News – GB – Southgate praises the influence of Arsenal winger Saka on England after Iceland’s victory
Ref: https://metro.co.uk
