Following England's 3-0 round-of-16 victory over Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium, Bukayo Saka said he has dared to dream of World Cup Glory ahead of the Three Lions quarter final clash with defending champions France. When asked if he had ever imagined himself playing in a World Cup final and lifting the coveted trophy, the Arsenal forward said he has "always allowed myself to dream".
Saka added his third goal of the tournament on Sunday evening, as Gareth Southgate's men's "massive" victory gave the England faithful some justified confidence of what is ahead in the tournament. Downing Street added its voice to the booming cheers of the fanbase, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman saying: “He wishes the best of luck for the rest of the tournament.”
England fans in Doha were optimistic ahead of a challenging clash against France on Saturday at the Al Bayt Stadium, with one stadium asserting he will continue wearing his "lucky" England shift and shorts. Saka, when asked if he allows himself to dream or shuts out such thoughts, told reporters: “I always allow myself to dream.”
Referring to Colombian pop star Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the 21-year-old added: “Having watched the tournament as well growing up, a lot of memories, I remember South Africa 2010, the famous theme song, it’s an amazing song. Things like that, it sticks with you forever, and as a kid you just one day wake up after a dream thinking ‘I want to do this, I want to score a goal in the World Cup’ and stuff like that, and I always allowed myself to dream.”
The Ealing-born Saka has shown bouncebackability this tournament, seamlessly recovering from missing the decisive penalty as England were runners up in the Euro 2020 final to Italy in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley Stadium last summer.
With penalties a looming possibility on Saturday, he said: “I would not have stepped up the times I have stepped up for Arsenal to take a penalty if I wasn’t confident, so if the moment comes and I am selected to take a penalty, I am more than happy to.”
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill
Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs
