Jadon Sancho’s message to England hero Bukayo Saka reveals emotional turmoil suffered
England hero Bukayo Saka scored twice to help send the Three Lions into the last four at Euro 2024, and Jadon Sancho’s message to his compatriot provided a poignant touch
Jadon Sancho’s message to Bukayo Saka after his Euro 2024 heroics was poignant (
Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
In the midst of England’s Euro 2024 celebrations, Jadon Sancho added an emotional touch to Bukayo Saka’s celebrations.
Arsenal winger Saka proved key as the Three Lions advanced to the semi-finals on Saturday, netting an equaliser to force extra time against Switzerland before dispatching his penalty in the resulting shootout. Gareth Southgate’s stars have been hailed for their poise under pressure, which was in stark contrast to their shootout defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
Saka and Sancho each missed their spot-kicks at Wembley that day, along with the latter’s Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford. It resulted in the three players being subjected to a torrent of racial abuse, which led to multiple people being jailed for their online comments.
But as Southgate’s side conquered their demons in Dusseldorf, Sancho took Saka’s moment in the sun to banish some of his own. The 24-year-old – who faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford – congratulated his countryman on his heroics against the Swiss while reminding of their shared trauma from three years ago
The 23-cap winger – who joined Rashford in not being called up for Euro 2024 – posted a photo of Saka posing with his Player of the Match award alongside the words: “I’m so proud of this guy @bukayosaka87! You did it for me and Marcus brother!”
Saka, 22, was quick to respond and screenshot Sancho’s post on his own Instagram story with the caption: “My boys.” The trio were vilified by some supporters for their misses on the big stage at Wembley at Euro 2020, but Saka’s performance in the last-16 clash proved to be a tale of redemption.
Sancho wasn’t selected for this summer’s tournament despite impressing on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season. It’s uncertain as to whether he’ll be given another chance under Erik ten Hag after falling out with the Dutchman last year.
Image:
sanchooo10/Instagram)
Rashford was also omitted from Southgate’s squad after struggling to regain his best form at United last term. The 26-year-old confirmed at the end of the campaign he’d be taking a break from social media, with rumours swirling the United academy graduate could even leave his boyhood club.
“It’s time to come off Socials for a few weeks. I plan to rest and reset mentally after a challenging season individually and collectively,” he wrote on X. “Thanks to the fans that stood by me through a difficult period. To the ones that didn’t just remember at United, we always stick together.”
The country rallied behind Saka, Sancho and Marcus Rashford following the racist abuse they suffered at Euro 2020 (
Image:
Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
The Three Lions are now set to face the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
That clash could define England’s tournament as they face their first true top-level opponent. But Saka at least made the Euro 2024 quarter-final a night to remember for all the right reasons.
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