‘He’s Not on His Own’ – England Manager Gareth Southgate Backs Bukayo Saka After Euro 2020 Penalty Miss

Published 07/12/2021, 11:55 AM EDT

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The whole nation of England is mourning after they lost in the final of the UEFA EURO 2021. However, none of the people and fans in the country will be more devastated than those who missed their penalties in the decisive penalty shootout, especially Bukayo Saka.

Stepping up to take the penalty in a final at the age of 19, Saka’s spot-kick was saved by Donnarumma. This was preceded by Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford missing their penalties, and hence, Italy won the shootout with a score of 3-2.

England gaffer Gareth Southgate talked about Bukayo Saka in an interview after the match and lent his support to the rising superstar.

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“He’s not on his own. He’s such a super boy, who is so popular with the whole group. He’s had an incredible tournament and been an absolute star, and he’s going to continue to be a star.

“Tonight as well, in a final, he performed exceptionally well when he came into the game so, we’ve got to be there to support him,” Southgate said.

The young Arsenal player has had a breakout season in the 2020-21 edition of the premier league, as he showed his versatility and talent to play all across the pitch. He has made several fans as a result of his talent and got a lot of support from around the world.

We’ve got to be there to help him, but I’m sure he’ll get a lot of love as well from outside because of what he’s done already in this tournament and how he’s established himself and the way he carries himself,” Southgate concluded.

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Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho miss to give Italy the title

After seven long and hard-fought games, this was Italy’s third consecutive trip to extra time. After their semi-final against Spain was decided on penalties, the final was no different.

Italian Goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma was the hero once again as his saves gave Italy their second European Championships.

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Donnarumma was also recognized as the player of the tournament, giving the perfect exclamation mark to an unbelievably good campaign for the 22-year-old superstar.

WATCH: England players Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka devastated after losing to Italy

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Aniket Awasthi

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Aniket Awasthi is a UFC author at EssentiallySports. This STEM undergraduate combines an insatiable urge to write with his admiration for MMA and the UFC in general to enhance his journalism. He calls charismatic names like Chael Sonnen and 'The Count' Michael Bisping as his favorite fighters, but he is a great admirer of the rise of Israel Adesanya ever since he fought Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221.
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