SAKA SPECIAL
DOHA. - Bukayo Saka’s beaming smile as he stepped off the turf at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium was a glorious reflection of an opening to England’s World Cup campaign that was close to perfection.
England’s 6-2 win against Iran must be placed in the context of just how poor the opposition was, Carlos Queiroz’s side not giving the merest hint of how they recently found their way into the top 20 in FIFA’s world rankings.
This should not, however, detract from a wonderful day for 21-year-old Saka, whose last appearance in a major international tournament was so cruel, the decisive miss in the shoot-out as England lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy in July 2021 bringing first tears then racist abuse.
Saka has done so much since, particularly in playing a leading role in taking Arsenal to the top of the Premier League this season, that he is not exactly in need of redemption but it was a special moment to see this rare talent experiencing such joy on the global stage after his Wembley despair.
And it was a very different kind of greeting he received from manager Gareth Southgate, who consoled the crestfallen youngster at Wembley, as here he was able to share in the joy of a superb individual display.
Southgate’s plans, at least for the group phase, had been clear and the only mildly contentious part of his first team selection here in Doha was a preference for Saka ahead of another prodigious young talent, Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
It must have been a close decision but Saka has been at the top of his game this season and has demonstrated in previous performances that this level suits him.
Southgate’s decision was richly rewarded with a fine first-half strike high past Iran’s substitute keeper Hossein Hosseini, on for Alireza Beiranvand after he suffered concussion early on, to make it 2-0 then a composed stroke into the bottom corner with his left foot for 4-0.
Foden has a rich England career ahead of him but Saka’s excellence made sure there were no qualms about Southgate’s call.
Saka said: “I can’t describe the feeling. I am so happy and so proud. We got the win as well, so it is a really special day.
“I feel in a good place. I feel the support and
love from the fans, the coaching staff and my team-mates. That is all I need. I feel ready to give 100% and I will continue to do that every time I put the shirt on.”