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Daniel Sturridge raved over Bukayo Saka’s performance for England in the Three Lions’ 6-2 demolition of Iran in their World Cup opener.
England’s meeting against Iran was billed as a potentially attritional and awkward first game for a team who had been in stuttering form in the build-up to the Qatar World Cup.
But instead, Gareth Southgate’s team dazzled, with Jude Bellingham and Saka's vibrant displays setting the tone for the Three Lions.
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Bellingham, who was just 14 when England reached the World Cup semi-final in Russia, opened the scoring with a glancing header that looped over the Iran keeper.
Then, Saka justified his inclusion over Phil Foden with an emphatic first-half volley. The 21-year-old added a second in the second half, cutting inside and directing a well-taken low shot past the keeper.
“It’s funny”
Former Liverpool forward Sturridge heaped praise on Saka after the Arsenal star's player-of-the-match performance on his World Cup debut.
In response to the 21-year-old forward’s well-taken second goal, Sturridge tweeted out: “It’s funny when I hear people say ‘show Bukayo Saka on his right foot’.
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“It’s easy to say it but stopping a sharp player doing it is another thing.
“When he starts doing the chop onto his right foot more often too and shoots more with it he’ll score even more. Top player.”
Saka has been key to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side this term. The Gunners currently sit at the summit of the Premier League, some five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
According to the Times Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Saka’s situation at Arsenal.
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The England star is in talks over a new contract with the Gunners that will likely see his £70,000-a-week salary increase. While Arsenal are confident of getting the deal done, Liverpool and Man City are said to be waiting in the wings.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Liverpool, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, England, Transfers, Daniel Sturridge