Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones sent a heartfelt message to Bukayo Saka on Sunday night after the winger’s penalty miss for England.
The Arsenal youngster bravely stepped up to take a spot-kick in the Three Lions shootout against Italy in the Euro 2020 final but saw it saved by Gianluigi Donnarummda.
After Marcus Rashford hit the post and Jadon Sancho was also denied by the Italian stopper, it was Saka’s penalty miss which proved decisive as it confirmed Gareth Southgate’s men lost 3-2 on penalties after the game had ended 1-1 following extra-time.
The 19-year-old was consoled by his team-mates and manager and Jones was quick to send his fellow Englishman support.
The Reds youngster, who is just 20 himself, took to social media and tweeted, “Nothing but bravery, courage and heart to stand up at the most important time. Hold your head high and be proud of yourself bro!”
Jones and Saka have represented England together at every youth level from under-16.
The Arsenal man made his debut for the under-21s in a 6-0 victory over Kosovo last September and a month later earned a first-call up to the senior squad, starting in the 3-0 win over Wales.
Jones, who made 34 appearances for Liverpool last season, scoring four goals, featured in the u-21 European Championships in March and will be hoping to follow in Saka’s footsteps in earning a call-up to the full national side in the future.
The 2022 World Cup will take place in Qatar in November and December next year.
