Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was delighted with his Player of the Match performance during England's Euro 2020 win over Czech Republic.
Saka was given the nod by England boss Gareth Southgate over the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden and the 19-year-old grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
It was Saka's driving run that led to the only goal of the game when Raheem Sterling nodded in Jack Grealish's cross in the first-half and the Gunner was thrilled with the Three Lions display.
"I think it was a really good performance from us," Saka told ITV Sport post-match. "I think we played some really good football at times.
"Of course, with us already qualifying before the game, we had a lot more freedom and time to express ourselves and I think that showed in some of the football we showed tonight. I’m happy with the performance from myself and from the team."
Saka was handed his first experience of tournament football as England aimed to seal the win they needed to top Group D and the Arsenal man stepped up to the plate.
The teenager revealed what his manager had expected from him against the Czech's.
"He just told me to go out there, express myself, and play how I played at my club all season and sometimes that means dropping in, driving at the opponents - I did that," he said.
"It was a good cross from Jack and Raheem was in the right place at the right time again to score us a goal. I was up there but I’m not quite tall enough!"
The three points for England not only saw them win Group D but also ensured their last-16 tie will be a home clash at Wembley on Tuesday, June 29, something Saka highlighted.
"I think it’s important for us to be here at Wembley," he added. "We’ve played here a lot and won here a lot. We have a lot of confidence when we’re playing here at this stadium.
"With our fans, it’s an extra man for us. It’s going to be a real boost to stay here at Wembley. I hope [to play]. It’s up to the manager, I can only give my best on the pitch so we’ll wait and see."
