Arsenal star Bukayo Saka sets record after scoring equaliser for England against Switzerland in Euro 2024 quarter-final
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka became the first-ever Arsenal player to score for England in both the FIFA World Cup and the Euros. He achieved the feat after scoring in the quarter-final tie against Switzerland in the 80th minute at Euro 2024 on Saturday, July 6.
Gareth Southgate's side were bested by the Swiss side throughout the match. They were looking ready to crash out of the Euros when an inspired shot by Saka brought them right into the game.
For the all-important quarter-finals, Southgate chose to go with a 3-4-2-1 formation. Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane made the front three. Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier acted as the wingbacks, with the former on the right.
After a cagey first half, Breel Embolo shocked the English supporters by scoring for the Swiss side in the 75th minute. The AS Monaco striker gleefully accepted a threatening cross thrown into the penalty box. He dived in to make sure that the ball was directed into Jordan Pickford's net.
However, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka converted within the next five minutes to balance the scale for the Three Lions. Switzerland started to sit back after scoring and the English found it an ordeal to break their defensive lines.
Just then, Bukayo Saka made his way toward the center of the field from the right flank and unleashed a grounded shot. It hit the left crossbar and cannoned into Yan Sommer's net like a tracer bullet. Gareth Southgate and the English fans from across the globe breathed a sigh of relief.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka names the most underrated player in the world according to him
In an interview with talkSPORT and quoted by The Daily Mail, Bukayo Saka said that Neymar Jr. is the most underrated player in the world. He said that the Brazilian deserves more respect and appreciation than he gets.
"I think people talk about him but he should be spoken about more. He deserves more respect than he gets, personally that's what I feel," explained the Arsenal man.
Neymar Jr. has been one of the most influential players for the Brazillian side over the last 10 years. He was considered the heir to the seemingly untouchable throne of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the early days of his career. However, incessant injuries and fitness issues have constantly proven to be his nemesis and many people consider him as one of the biggest 'what ifs' in football.
The Brazillian forward currently plays for Saudi's Al-Hilal where he is recovering from an ACL injury that he picked up last year.