Praise For Bukayo Saka From England Manager

Hugely popular former Greenford pupil was distraught after missing final penalty

Southgate consoles Saka after penalty miss. Picture: @ England
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England manager Gareth Southgate has praised former Greenford High pupil, Bukayo Saka, describing him as an ''absolute star', despite his penalty miss and the team's failure to bring it home last night.

The Arsenal player, who is just 19, was inconsolable as Italy celebrated following the penalty shoot-out.

Team mates rallied round and Southgate hugged the teenager after his final spot-kick missed the goal.

Saka was one of three substitutes to miss in the shootout for England, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford also failing to hit the target.

Southgate said it was his choice on the takers and any blame should be apportioned to him saying:  "That’s my decision to give him that penalty, that’s totally my responsibility."'

Speaking at a news conference after the game, the England manager said Bukayo was "''such a super boy, so popular with the whole group, he's had an incredible tournament, been an absolute star and he's going to continue to be a star. I'm sure he will get a lot of love from outside too because of what he's already done in this tournament.''

However today there has been widespread condemnation after Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, suffered racist abuse on social media after the match. The FA condemned the 'disgusting behaviour' , PM Boris Johnson called it 'appalling abuse' and Prince William said he was ''sickened'' adding, it was ''totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour"

The abuse has been roundly criticised and the majority have offered support and praise for England's young team and players.

In Ealing, locals are hugely proud of Saka's achievements, though many have queried Southgate's decision to put him on for the final penalty saying it was too much pressure on the youngster and concerned as to how he will cope with the fall-out.

After seeing his emotional response after the failed shot and then the immediate hug from Southgate, Ealing comedian Shappi Khorsandi tweeted,"Oh I hope he knows we are all holding him in that moment. All the love. He's got a beautiful, glorious life ahead of him. They all have."

Saka went to The Edward Betham C of E primary school on Oldfield Lane in Greenford from 2006 until 2013. He made his school football team debut in Autumn 2009 and was part of the team that won the Ealing Peal Shield competition in 2012 and 2013.

From the school's latest newsletter: ''So many families and staff from our Edward Betham community (past and present) have expressed their admiration for Bukayo Saka’s performances during Euro 2020. We are so proud of Bukayo’s achievements, and can’t wait to see him play in the 2022 World Cup!''

Margaret Owens taught him once a week between the ages of 7-11 and says the school was delighted when he returned to visit two years ago. '' He really was a role model. Not only is he highly skilled, he was humble about it and explained it wasn't just about football but it was also important to get a good education.''  Of the missed penalty she said: ''I really hope if anything this event will give him resilience as at the moment it's been so negative. We've had BBC news asking for words of support for him - there were plenty.''

Headteacher, Caroline Chamberlain, told BBC London news how incredibly proud they all are and how he has inspired the pupils, she said his experience shows that '' you can come from a normal school and if you give 100 per cent you can achieve your dreams."


Bukayo visited his former primary school in Greenford in 2019

Saka's England shirt greets visitors to Greenford High School where just a few years ago the teenage scored top marks in his GCSE's. A testament to the community's love and support last night, the school tweeted:

So, so proud of @BukayoSaka87 and the @England team. This will not define you Bukayo, you have brought this tournament to life. See you for the World Cup next year

And from the England team official twitter account:

For the courage you showed. For the way you played. For the next generation you’ve inspired. We’re so proud of you, lads. Keep your heads held high.

Bukayo Saka in his England kit. Picture: FA
Bukayo Saka in his England kit. Picture: The FA

Annemarie Flanagan

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July 12, 2021

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