On talkSPORT, Carlton Cole praised Bukayo Saka for his mental strength to bounce back after missing the penalty in the Euro 2020 final to shine in England’s World Cup opener against Iran.
A ton of disgraceful racial abuse came the Arsenal winger’s way after it was his spot-kick that confirmed the Three Lions’ fate in the final against Italy.
However, the 21-year-old clearly put all the disappointment behind him by scoring a brilliant brace in his side’s 66-2 demolition job of Carlos Queiroz’s side.
Saka’s first strike was a special one, as he struck an unstoppable volley to hand Gareth Southgate’s side a two-goal cushion.
However, the youngster was not done yet, as he went on to dance past defenders to slot the ball into the back of the net to complete his well-taken brace.
Cole praises Saka’s mentality after exploits against Iran
Former West Ham and England striker, Carlton Cole praised Bukayo Saka’s mentality after his Man of the Match showing against Iran on talkSPORT.
“Remember, he [Bukayo Saka] was getting scolded after the Euros. Do you know how hard that must’ve been for him to have felt like he’s let his country down? And then everyone’s giving him stick after that.”
He continued, “For [Gareth] Southgate to actually put faith in him, do you know how his chest must’ve been puffed? ‘You know what, I deserve to be here.I come in here in front of [Phil] Foden, [Jack] Grealish, all of these boys and I’m starting the ball rolling.’
“He must’ve felt a million dollars and he’s repaid it with two goals.”
While Bukayo Saka, once compared to Lionel Messi by Jude Bellingham via GOAL deserves immense credit for his splendid performance against Iran, the fact that he has responded to so many of his shameful critics in such fashion is the real talking point, as raised by Carlton Cole.
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