'So sharp': Rio Ferdinand in awe of outstanding Arsenal player during England's win vs Switzerland
07/07/2024 02:55 AM
Rio Ferdinand has been hailed an Arsenal player’s performance during England’s penalty shootout victory against Switzerland at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions advanced to the semi-finals of the competition on Sunday evening after defeating Switzerland 5-3 on penalties.
Gareth Southgate’s men were much improved but still lacked some fluidity in attack as they created very little.
Though, one player remained a threat throughout and Ferdinand has heaped praise on him.
Rio Ferdinand hails Bukayo Saka
Rio Ferdinand and the BBC (7:55 pm) panel heaped praise on England winger Bukayo Saka for his outstanding equaliser and compared him to former Bayern Munich man Arjen Robben.
Rio Ferdinand: "A bit like Robben, isn't it? You know he is going to come inside, but you can't stop him because he is so sharp and he is so decisive in that moment."
Gary Lineker: "But he could go both ways as well which makes him even trickier."
Frank Lampard: "And he mixed it up really well today. He took him down the line quite a few times but he came inside for the goal."
The 22-year-old picked up the Man of the Match award.
Bukayo Saka was a threat all game
As the BBC pundits alluded to, Saka was a threat all game, constantly taking on his man down either side.
With Luke Shaw now back fit, there should be no discussions of the Arsenal man playing as a wing-back as his attacking talents are somewhat wasted there.
Perhaps Trent Alexander-Arnold should come in as the right wing-back against the Netherlands to give England more of an attacking threat.
The Liverpool defender could form a great relationship down the right with Saka, so it’s certainly something to consider for Southgate.
