London –
Not only outsiders question the decision Bukayo Saka be the executor of the penalty shootout English of final Euro 2020. The players feel the same.
English and Italy competed in the Euro 2020 final which was held at Wembley, Monday (12/7/2021) early morning WIB. England took the lead quickly through Luke Shaw’s goal in the second minute.
However, after that the Three Lions struggled to add goals and instead conceded in the 67th minute because of Leonardo Bonucci’s goal. The match then had to be settled on penalties because the 1-1 score lasted for 120 minutes.
Surprise occurred in this high-five when England manager Gareth Southgate fielded Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka as executioners. Rashford and Sancho just entered in injury time in the second half of extra time.
Meanwhile, Saka, who is still green, becomes the fifth executor, aka the determinant. Jack Grealish reportedly wanted to advance but was instead banned by Southgate and sure enough, England ended up losing 2-3.
Rashford’s execution hit the post, while Sancho and Sako were saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Saka then became the target of ridicule from England who were disappointed because the Arsenal winger failed to fulfill his duty to maintain the chance of winning the English title.
Even though the decision to make Saka the kicker is Southgate’s responsibility. Quoted Daily Mail, England’s senior players also questioned why Saka who was still green was given such a big burden.
Even though England still have Grealish and Raheem Sterling who have actually been prepared for a penalty shootout. In fact, the two players were specially trained to be executor.
Harry Kane et al. It is certain that Saka has appeared in a major tournament for the first time and that he has only nine caps with the Tiga Singa team. Saka has never even taken a penalty at senior level, neither with the club nor with the national team!
Once Saka was awarded a penalty, it was a long way from when he was still playing at a young age. However Southgate argued that he chose Saka because of his performance in the penalty shootout in good training sessions.
Fortunately Bukayo Saka received plenty of support after the final from Arsenal owner Josh Kroenke, manager Mikel Arteta and academy coach Per Mertesacker.
(mrp/pur)
– .
