"I know the mentality he's got" – England star praises Bukayo Saka for his performance in Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Switzerland
England captain Harry Kane has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka for his fine outing in his national team's UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final victory against Switzerland this Saturday (July 6).
After a closely contested first half in Dusseldorf, Breel Embolo netted the opener in the 75th minute of the match. However, Saka equalized just five minutes later with a left-footed strike from outside of the box.
England, who topped Group C of the Euro 2024, beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time. Saka confidently converted his side's third penalty in the shootout, three years after his miss in London in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
At a post-match interaction, Kane was queried to offer his thoughts on the Arsenal attacker's standout performance in the clash against Switzerland. The 30-year-old replied (h/t The Standard):
"What a performance, the whole game. Playing in a position that he's played before but that he's not used to playing. He was our real outlet with the ball, he caused them problems all game. He got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish, got us back in the game when we needed it most."
Kane hailed Saka, who operated as a right wing-back on Saturday:
"Then without the ball as well, the work he put in, the shift he put in. The blocks, the tackles, right up until the 120th minute. And then to step up the way he did. I know the mentality he's got and I knew he'd be comfortable at that situation even though what happened in the past. A fantastic night for him and he deserved it."
Saka, 22, has scored one goal in five appearances at the Euro 2024.
Harry Kane comments on England's victory over Switzerland in Euro 2024 last-eight tie
After the end of England's Euro 2024 last-eight triumph, Harry Kane stated that his side are relishing their campaign in Germany. He said:
"Unbelievable. It was a rollercoaster of emotions again. To come back after going 1-0 behind so late in the game. We did what we've been doing for the whole tournament and found a way to get through. The longer we go in the competition in the manner we're doing it, it just gives us more and more belief that we're finding ways to win. We're enjoying it, we're enjoying the ride."
England will next be in action against Euro 1988 winners Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final encounter this Wednesday (July 10).
So far, Gareth Southgate's side have won three and drawn two of their five outings at the tournament, scoring just five times in the process.