Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has showered praise on Bukayo Saka after Gareth Southgate’s men defeated Switzerland by 5-3 on penalties in the quarterfinal of Euro 2024 at the Merkul Spiel Arena on Saturday.
England was once again on the verge of elimination as Breel Embolo scored in the 75th minute after the Swiss dominated the second half. However, the Three Lions was quick to response, with Bukayo Saka scoring the equaliser after five minutes.
Furthermore, Saka scored from the spot-kick in the penalty shootout. Saka had missed the penalty in the Euro 2021 final against Italy in front of his home crowd and then had to face a lot criticism.
Ferdinand said on BBC via the Mirror, “Everything about him just comes across as being so positive. You can’t help but love him, not only for his football but his personality and the character he’s shown [since Euro 2020].
“He’s arguably the most important England player. He’s so different to everyone else. He’s the one who runs at people one vs one, and goes behind. Today he played wing-back. He’s so direct. So talented.”
Furthermore, Ferdinand likened Saka with former Netherlands star, Arjen Robben, “A bit like Robben, isn’t it? You know he’s going to come inside, but you can’t stop him because he’s so sharp and he is so decisive in that moment.”
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold showered praise on Jordan Pickford for making an excellent save to keep Manuel Akanji at bay in the shootout.
“Pickers [goalkeeper Pickford] made an amazing save, to start a shootout like that gives us great confidence,” the Liverpool player said. “Every game so far has gone into extra time in the quarterfinals so you know the tight margins. The finest of margins today, but we were able to win.”
Saka was awarded Player of the Match for his splendid performance in the quarterfinal. England will take on the Netherlands in the semifinal on Wednesday night.
