Bukayo Saka finally ends England's right-wing woes with a crucial performance in the quarter-final victory against Norway.
What happened?
Bukayo Saka has been wrapped in cotton wool all tournament, but in this hard-fought, energy-sapping quarter-final victory against Norway, the Arsenal winger showcased his class and just how important he could well prove to be over the course of the next week. Saka replaced Noni Madueke at the break and must now start Wednesday's World Cup last-four clash in Atlanta after finally arriving in North America at long last.
Why it matters for Bukayo Saka
The inconsistency of England's wide forwards at this World Cup has been deeply frustrating, but when Saka is this sharp and in full flow, he is one of the first names on the team-sheet alongside heroic two-goal Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane. Saka's varying range of whips and cutbacks are usually on the money and if they are not, they still cause major panic in crowded penalty areas. His delivery is like a box of chocolates, you never quite know what you're going to get, but when he's on, he's unstoppable.
What comes next?
Games like this, up against a full-back that is not blessed with pace, should really be music to the ears of Madueke, but he just cannot seem to grab the bull by the horns whenever he is handed the opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, his role seems to be about grinding down the opposition for Saka, who has the quality to inflict serious damage with his killer crossing, passing and final ball. This is the kind of stage Madueke would have been dreaming about while on the playground at St Columba's College in St Albans or in his bedroom in the small Dutch village of Wintelre just outside Eindhoven during his five-year stint with PSV.
Saka's exceptional display has earned him a starting spot in the World Cup semi-final against France, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form against the French team. With his killer crossing and passing, Saka is a threat to any team, and he will be looking to make a big impact in the semi-final.
The inconsistency of England's wide forwards at this World Cup has been deeply frustrating, but when Saka is this sharp and in full flow, he is one of the first names on the team-sheet. Saka's varying range of whips and cutbacks are usually on the money and if they are not, they still cause major panic in crowded penalty areas.
In a game of this magnitude, when you also consider the decisiveness of France's wide players Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, England require more - and they got just that - as they simply cannot keep relying on the brilliance of Bellingham and captain Kane. At times, Jarrod Bowen must have been tearing his hair out - just like supporters - on his sofa back home.
Thomas Tuchel has shown immense loyalty to Madueke and so far, he is yet to repay that faith. Still, he could have an important role to play. It's a crying shame that Saka has been hindered by a problematic Achilles injury as all the other top nations have been able to call upon their best players.
The verdict
Bukayo Saka has finally ended England's right-wing woes with a crucial performance in the quarter-final victory against Norway. His exceptional display has earned him a starting spot in the World Cup semi-final against France, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form against the French team.
category: player_focus