AFTER Jude Bellingham had introduced himself to Euro 2024 with typical Bellingham timing, Harry Kane made a beeline for Bukayo Saka.
It was a captain's gesture making sure the provider got the same sort of credit as the man who was knee-sliding towards the cameras.
And it was recognition for the player whose contribution to Gareth Southgate's overall body of work can sometimes be underestimated.
Ahead of this opening match, when Southgate's attacking permutations were being discussed, the odd pundit had suggested starting line-ups that did not include Saka.
That was never going to happen. Away from the Arsenal attacker's club manager and colleagues, no one values the Gunner's effectiveness more highly than the England manager does.
It is an honour that he has never shouted about from the rooftops but, in case you didn't know, Saka has been England's official Player of the Year for the past two seasons.
And both times, that honour was well deserved.
In his 24 starts for England, Saka now has 27 goal contributions, rarely failing to make an impact.
Denne historien er fra June 17, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 17, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pal's in danger with ex
SHOULD I warn an old mate that chasing after my ex-husband is a big mistake?
Hatton's full blast
TYRRELL HATTON has no plans to lose his fire after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on his return to the DP World Tour.
VITOR NEEDS TWO TO BEAT DROP
VITOR PEREIRA is determined to add more quality to his squad as he battles to pull Wolves away from the drop zone.
A rasher decision
BREAKFAST is regularly referred to as the most important meal of the day.
Gravy sickos are a sausage short of a fry-up
GRAVY on fry-ups is more popular than brown sauce, a shock study has found.
Don dances like he's a big baby!
Y.M.C.A. STAR JIG JIBE
Djokovic refuses to drop TV boycott
NOVAK DJOKOVIC boycotted his post-match interview in protest at \"insulting and offensive\" comments by presenter Tony Jones on the host broadcaster.
JAYDEN'S COMMAND PERFORMANCE
JAYDEN DANIELS says the Washington Commanders believe they can go all the way after they upset the Detroit Lions.
TRUE HERO LAW GETS SEND-OFF FIT FOR A KING
THE King of the Stretford End has gone but will never be forgotten. Manchester United paid a fitting tribute - before kick-off, at least - to Denis Law, one of the greatest players to pull on their jersey. Or any football jersey, for that matter.
Gold busk
CIAN'S AIMING FOR ANOTHER VICTORY