England captain Harry Kane has heaped praise on winger Bukayo Saka after his stellar performance against Switzerland guaranteed his nation a place in the semi-finals at Euro 2024.
A stunning equaliser from the Arsenal star ruled out Breel Embolo's earlier goal and gave England a shot of qualifying as one of the final four teams in the tournament. Following an extra-time battle, Saka was named as one of the Three Lions' penalty takers and put an end to his heartbreak at the Euro 2020 final against Italy by converting from 12 yards.
Saka has rightfully earned heaps of praise for his performance in an England shirt, and managed to catch the eye of skipper Kane, who was substituted off with injury before the dramatic penalty shootout.
Speaking after England defeated Switzerland 5-3 on penalties, Kane said of Saka: "What a performance, the whole game. Playing in a position that he's played before, but that he's not used to playing. He was our real outlet with the ball, he caused them problems all game
"He got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish, got us back in the game when we needed it most. Then without the ball as well, the work he put in, the shift he put in. The blocks, the tackles, right up until the 120th minute.
"And then to step up the way he did. I know the mentality he's got and I knew he'd be comfortable at that situation even though what happened in the past. A fantastic night for him and he deserved it."
Saka and England's success guaranteed them a place among the final four teams in the tournament, with the Netherlands, Spain and France the other sides left with a chance of lifting European silverware.
England will face Ronald Koeman's side on Wednesday 10 July as they continue their Euro 2024 charge, with Spain set to take on France the night before.