Alan Shearer has picked out Bukayo Saka as England’s ‘player of the tournament’ at Euro 2024 and hopes the forward produces another ‘magical moment’ against Spain.
Saka has started all six of England’s matches en route to Sunday’s showpiece and scored a stunning late equaliser in the Three Lions’ quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
This weekend, the 22-year-old Arsenal star – who has played in attack and at wing-back in Germany – is expected to continue his run in the side as England compete in a first ever final on foreign soil.
Three years on from England’s painful penalty-shootout defeat to Italy, Gareth Southgate’s men are up against a Spain team boasting an imperious 100 per cent record thus far.
Saka had a spot-kick saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma at Wembley in 2021 and will be desperate to make amends to help ensure England’s 58-year wait for a trophy is finally brought to an end.
‘When looking at who has been England’s standout player, you have to mention a few,’ ex-England and Newcastle striker Shearer – the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer – told Betfair.
‘Saka has been fantastic, Kobbie Mainoo, too. Everything about him, he has that aura, nothing seems to faze him.
‘We all thought England’s defence could be a weak point but it hasn’t, Marc Guehi has had a really good tournament alongside John Stones.
‘Jordan Pickford deserves a mention too, not only for his penalty save, but because he’s made some big saves in big games.
‘I have to say though, Bukayo Saka is my player of the tournament. He’s had a wonderful tournament, he’s a breath of fresh air and everyone loves him.
‘Let’s hope he has another magical moment on Sunday.’
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated contest, Southgate conceded that Spain are deservedly the ‘favourites’ to get their hands on the trophy.
The England boss believes his side may have to be tactically ‘perfect’ to get the better of Luis de la Fuente’s side, who have won all six of their matches this summer.
‘They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team,’ Southgate said.
‘They have got a day longer and in the past three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant, so we have got to get our recovery spot on.
‘Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side. But, you know, we are here.’