Gareth Southgate has selected Bukayo Saka as the member of his England side he would like to send home with his daughter.
The Arsenal winger has had a meteoric rise in the previous two years, solidifying his spot as a regular for both Arsenal and England.
Saka handled the disappointment of missing the game-winning penalty in last summer’s Euro 2020 final against Italy with grace and humility, despite racist insults on social media.
The 20-year-old bounced back from that setback to have his most productive season as an Arsenal player, and is a target for both Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal are confident in their ability to sign their academy graduate to a new long-term contract that includes a big wage boost, but Saka’s immediate emphasis is on helping England end the season strong.
‘I don’t know if it’s a surprise, because of how he is,’ Southgate said when asked if the manner Saka has dealt with triumph and hardship has surprised him. He’s surrounded by wonderful people and has a wonderful family.
‘His value have been brilliant with him and here, he’s felt the love of the players and staff immediately.
‘That will have helped, in the immediate aftermath for him. He’s a fantastic talent. He’s one that’s possibly less appreciated because his profile isn’t quite the same as some of our other attacking players.
‘He just quietly goes about his job, but I think you see the consistency of his performances and quality of his play.
‘He scores goals, he makes goals and defends for the team. He’s a fabulous kid. If your daughter brings Bukayo home you’d be more than happy.’