Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has enjoyed a brilliant start for England at the World Cup in Qatar after scoring a brace in the 6-2 win against Iran.
The Three Lions moved top of Group B with a convincing win in their World Cup opener with Saka now joint-level at the top of the scoring charts, with Ecuador's Enner Valencia and former Gunners striker and France star Olivier Giroud, in the race for the Golden Boot. The 21-year-old was a surprise starter after Gareth Southgate took the brave decision to start Saka ahead of Manchester City star Phil Foden, but it turned out to be a masterstroke with the Arsenal superstar causing problems for Iran throughout the game.
His performance for England led to many praising Saka, who now looks set to start against the USA in England's second Group B fixture on Friday, November 25. The Hale End graduate has enjoyed a strong 2022/23 campaign so far and has carried his brilliant club form into the World Cup as the Three Lions aim to secure qualification from Group B later this week.
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Gary Neville was just one of many pundits to praise Arsenal’s talented winger as the former Manchester United defender highlighted Saka as a player who ‘always delivers’ for England after they thrashed Iran 6-2 at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Monday, November 21. Neville told ITV Sport: "Set pieces are massive for England.
"These lads, I was a little bit nervous before the game, I thought it was an awkward group. They have all got involved.
"Saka, I know Harry [Kane] hasn’t scored, but these lads don’t disappoint. It’s the third tournament where we have watched these lads and they always deliver.
"They step up. You can trust them – to beat them 6-2 is some statement."
Former Arsenal star and Southampton forward Theo Walcott knows what it’s likely to be thrown into the deep end as a youngster. Agreeing with Neville's assessment, Walcott was full of praise for ‘Arsenal’s boy’, as he posted on his Instagram story.
"Great start to the tournament," said Walcott on Instagram. "Pleased for Bukayo [Saka], obviously being an Arsenal boy.
"The two goals, it was a fantastic performance from him. I am actually really pleased with the subs as well because I always feel like, in tournament football, this is where it can be won, so well done and good start England, let’s keep going."
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