David Beckham sends heartfelt message to Bukayo Saka as England defeat Switzerland on penalties in Euro 2024 Q/F
David Beckham reacted on social media after Arsenal star Bukayo Saka starred in England's UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinal win against Switzerland. The Three Lions won the game on penalties (5-3) after it ended 1-1 in extra time.
The Swiss took the lead first through Breel Embolo's 75th-minute tap-in. Saka restored parity five minutes later, scoring a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the penalty area.
The Arsenal superstar has earned plaudits for his goal, with Rio Ferdinand even comparing him to Dutch legend Arjen Robben. Apart from his goal, Saka found the back of the net during the tie-breaker, taking the third shot for his country. He converted excellently, and it was a moment of redemption for the Englishman, as he had missed in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy.
Saka was all smiles after his five-star display and David Beckham was pleased to see the winger enjoying the game again. Beckham wrote on his recent Instagram post:
"That's the smile we all needed to see... Courage and happiness @bukayosaka87. Well done to the lads @england."
Saka's strike against Switzerland also marked his first goal of the competition.
England, meanwhile, have marched on to the last four and will play the Netherlands in an enthralling semifinal on July 10. The Dutch beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday and are set to take on the Three Lions at Westfalenstadion next.
England star Bukayo Saka surpasses David Beckham's goal tally in major competitions
Bukayo Saka has now scored four goals for England in major competitions. His tally is one more than former England captain and icon David Beckham.
Saka, apart from his goal at Euro 2024 against Switzerland, scored thrice at the FIFA World Cup 2022. He bagged a brace against Iran in Qatar and found the back of the net in the Round of 16 against Senegal.
Beckham, on the other hand, scored once in each of the 1998, 2002, and 2006 editions of the FIFA World Cup. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar never scored in the Euros.
Beckham, though, has seven assists in the World Cups and five in the Euros. He played a total of 20 major tournament games for the Three Lions. Saka has so far played 13 major tournament games for his country but has yet to register an official assist.