Gareth Southgate has told talkSPORT that he vows to ensure Bukayo Saka never feels alone after the Arsenal star missed his penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
Saka was inconsolable after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his penalty to seal victory for the Azzurri. The 19-year-old had the unenviable task of taking the Three Lions’ fifth spot-kick, which held the balance of the shoot-out going to sudden death.
Southgate says any criticism for the decision to allow Saka to take the penalty must be directed at him. The Arsenal winger is hugely popular in the England squad, who rushed to console him as Italy started celebrating.
Southgate knows better than most how Saka will be feeling after Germany saved his penalty in England’s Euro 1996 semi-final defeat. The Three Lions boss immediately put his arm around the Arsenal talent and praised him for his performances this summer.
“I have obviously lived through it. But he’s not alone, he’ll never be on his own as far as we’re concerned,” Southgate said. “He’s been an absolute star in this tournament.
“I have to take the responsibility with that call because, in the end, that’s my decision. It hasn’t worked. So, anything should come back on me and not on him.”
England and Arsenal should be proud of Saka
England and Arsenal will be proud of Saka for stepping up at a crucial moment at just 19-years-old. It took a lot of courage to take the fifth penalty, with the pressure of a nation on his shoulders.
Saka will naturally be heartbroken that Donnarumma saving his penalty saw Italy win Euro 2020. But the youngster will come back from this even stronger, thanks to the support of his teammates and Southgate.
The England squad, like Southgate vows, will not let Saka feel alone and will raise his spirits as best as they can. Arsenal will also look forward to seeing him back at the Emirates Stadium next season, ready for this to fire his future success and enjoy a great career.
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