"He has been class" - Bukayo Saka names England star who has impressed him the most in training
England star Bukayo Saka was full of praise for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze. When asked about the player in the Three Lions' Euro 2024 squad that impressed him the most in training, the Arsenal winger pointed to the 26-year-old.
Ahead of the game against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30), he said (via talkSPORT):
“In training, I would say probably Ebs, you know – Ebere Eze. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say,” said Saka.
After a strong season for the Eagles where he bagged 11 goals and four assists in the Premier League, Eze received a call-up to the national squad for the Euros. However, he has made just one appearance, coming off the bench in England's 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Saka, meanwhile, has also not been at his best for the national side after a splendid season for Arsenal where he bagged 20 goals and 14 goals in 47 games across competitions. He has started in all three of their games but has failed to notch a goal or assist.
It has been a difficult tournament for the Three Lions. Although they topped their group, they have looked toothless in attack, scoring just two goals in three games.
Newcastle star opens up as Slovakia prepare to face England in Euro 2024 Round of 16
Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka claimed that he was looking forward to facing his Newcastle United teammates Anthony Gordon and Kieran Tripper when his side face England in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024. He said (via The Standard):
“I would like to face my teammates from Newcastle, Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier. It’s a country where I live and a league where I play and I would like to play them."
Dubravka went on to talk about his side's strengths, saying:
“Look at the team we have. There are plenty of young players who are already experienced and play in good leagues. It’s important to believe and have faith in yourselves. I have said it from the beginning: it’s important to have that kind of healthy confidence."
Slovakia were part of an enthralling Group E where all four teams finished on four points. Francesco Calzona's side progressed as one of the four best third-placed sides.
England, meanwhile, will be looking to put their mediocre form in the group stages behind. A win over Slovakia could give them momentum as they look to make a deep run in Euro 2024.