It's telling that there's absolutely no debate about Bukavo Saka
Evening Standard|June 19, 2024
THERE was something almost reassuringly familiar about the sight of Serbia's Strahinja Pavlović taking out Bukayo Saka after 22 minutes of England's opening Euro 2024 group game on Sunday.
Dan Kilpatrick
It's telling that there's absolutely no debate about Bukavo Saka

Saka had by then already made England's winning goal with a deflected cross for Jude Bellingham after racing away from Pavlović and was giving Serbia's left-sided defender hell, turning him inside out again and again.

Anyone who has watched Arsenal knows Saka is frequently the target of rough treatment from struggling defenders, particularly after he has gone past them at least once, and in the circumstances Pavlović arguably showed a degree of restraint by waiting so long to foul his tormentor.

Watching Saka run at Serbia, it was easy to forget that he came into the European Championship short of fitness, having struggled to train fully in the warm-up camp after ending the domestic season with a groin injury.

There were, too, lingering concerns that the 22-year-old might be feeling the strain of a gruelling campaign in which he played 52 times for club and country, and was rarely afforded a breather by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Saka, though, looked refreshed in the first half in Gelsenkirchen before fading and being replaced for the final 15 minutes, as England clung on to a 1-0 win.

Denne historien er fra June 19, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 19, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EVENING STANDARDSe alt
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
The London Standard

Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives

From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer

time-read
5 mins  |
October 31, 2024
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
The London Standard

It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise

England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Bukayo Saka
The London Standard

Bukayo Saka

The making of a London icon

time-read
6 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
The London Standard

Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic

Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
The London Standard

Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK

Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...

time-read
5 mins  |
October 31, 2024
The Old Operating Theatre
The London Standard

The Old Operating Theatre

St Thomas Street, SE1

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
The London Standard

Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?

Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie

time-read
2 mins  |
October 31, 2024
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
The London Standard

AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?

Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.

time-read
1 min  |
October 31, 2024
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The London Standard

Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?

The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers

time-read
4 mins  |
October 31, 2024
A poetic puzzlebox
The London Standard

A poetic puzzlebox

This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify

time-read
3 mins  |
October 31, 2024