‘He improves me’: Bukayo Saka praises England teammate who is a ‘huge’ Tottenham Hotspur fan
England is back in action on Tuesday night, taking on Slovenia in a crucial Euro 2024 clash. All eyes will be on Bukayo Saka as he aims to make his mark in the tournament.
The Three Lions have experienced a rather subdued start to their Euro 2024 campaign. Entering the competition as favorites, many expected England to breeze through the group stage.
However, a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia and a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Denmark have left fans wanting more. Gareth Southgate faces mounting criticism, and the upcoming match against Slovenia is seen as a must-win for England to prove their prowess.
Southgate plans minimal changes to the starting lineup, with Conor Gallagher set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. This means Bukayo Saka will continue to start on the right flank, despite some calls to utilize him as a left back.
Saka has been one of England’s most formidable attacking threats, showcasing his talent notably in the match against Serbia.
Ahead of the clash with Slovenia, Saka has turned the spotlight on his teammate, Ezri Konsa. The Aston Villa defender earned his place in the England squad following an impressive season under Unai Emery. Konsa’s versatility, whether at center back or right back, has been a significant asset for Villa, and Saka appreciates having him in the squad.
Speaking to England’s official YouTube channel, Saka highlighted Konsa as a defender he respects and enjoys facing in training.
Saka praised Konsa for his exceptional one-on-one defending skills, noting that their training battles are mutually beneficial.
“In some sessions, I do a little one-v-one with Ezri because, you know, for me, he is one of the best in the Premier League at defending one-v-one, so he improves me, and it improves him as well. So, I enjoy coming up against him,” Saka said.
Saka relishes the competitive edge Konsa brings to training sessions, believing it sharpens his own game. Their mutual respect and camaraderie reflect the strong team spirit within the England squad.
Despite their club allegiances, with Saka being a staunch Arsenal supporter and Konsa a devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan, their professional relationship remains solid.
While Saka is Arsenal through and through, Konsa’s love for Tottenham Hotspur adds an intriguing layer to their interactions. Konsa has openly expressed his admiration for Spurs, even stating that playing for Tottenham would be a dream come true.
His fondness for the club dates back to his youth, with former teacher Kabir Jagwani revealing Konsa’s passion for Spurs and his admiration for players like Dimitar Berbatov.
The Arsenal-Tottenham rivalry is one of the fiercest in English football, and it undoubtedly spills over into England training sessions. Saka and Konsa’s banter about their North London allegiances likely adds a fun dynamic to their professional relationship.
Such friendly rivalry can boost team morale and foster a competitive yet positive environment.
As England prepares for their crucial encounter with Slovenia, fans hope to see a more convincing performance from the team. The Three Lions need to showcase their strengths and secure a decisive victory to advance confidently in Euro 2024.
Bukayo Saka’s form and his synergy with teammates like Ezri Konsa will be key factors in England’s success.
With expectations high and the pressure mounting, England’s clash against Slovenia promises to be a thrilling encounter. Gareth Southgate and his squad are determined to deliver a much-improved display, aiming to reaffirm their status as one of the tournament favorites.
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