Bukayo Saka came off the bench on Monday night to turn the game around in England’s favour, with Germany leading the Three Lions 2-0 – and Jude Bellingham has applauded the Arsenal star, likening him to Lionel Messi.
Saka, 21, has made an excellent start to the season with Arsenal – having a hand in five goals during his eight appearances. He continued that with England on Monday. The Three Lions had just conceded a second to Germany.
Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty, and Kai Havertz’s delicious curling effort saw Germany have a healthy lead going into the last 30 minutes. But the introduction of Saka and Mason Mount changed the game. Saka was involved in the first.
Luke Shaw got one back with a neat finish, before Saka found Mount who swept home an equaliser, just moments later. Harry Kane made it 3-2, from the spot, only for Havertz to make it 3-3. Positives, and Saka posted on Instagram.
Bellingham has applauded Arsenal star Saka, likens him to Messi
It was a brilliant outing from the bench. Saka started against Italy but struggled to really make an impact. Much like the rest of the England squad. But from the bench against Germany at Wembley, he was given the freedom to shine.
Just what England needed. It has drawn up the inevitable comparisons between Saka and Phil Foden, too. Gabby Agbonlahor argues that Saka is “clear” of Foden – but it is fair to say both are incredibly talented young attackers.
Another of those young guns England boast, is Bellingham. He was man of the match for England against the country in which he plays his domestic football. He reacted to Saka’s post, teasing him by commenting “Leo”, as in Messi.
Aaron Ramsdale, who was overlooked for Nick Pope despite Pope starting against Italy, also commented. He labelled Saka a “starboy”, while Grealish posted a heart-eyes emoji.
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