Arsenal fans ‘hate’ Gareth Southgate – but England boss’ decision pays off

Gareth Southgate's England selection was more than justified against Ukraine – despite him being hit with the fury of Arsenal supporters.

Southgate was slammed at the start of the international break for not calling up the in-form Folarin Balogun – but this argument was over Bukayo Saka.

Gunners fans had hoped that Saka would be rested having played 85 minutes in the win over Italy, with their minds on the Premier League title race.

READ MORE: Phil Foden undergoes emergency surgery after England sub was subbed off vs Italy

One fan posted in response to the team selection: "Southgate can you be more obvious with the Arsenal agenda?"

A second agreed: "Saka needs to come off I hate Southgate so much." A third added: "Southgate if you have any dignity, you'll take Saka off now."

However, Southgate's decision to pick Saka was rewarded with a special goal from outside the area – a powerful effort that left Anatoliy Trubin with no chance.

Arsenal fans, would you have preferred it if Saka wasn't called up for England duty? Tell us in the comments section below.

That strike came after the 21-year-old had expectedly picked out Harry Kane for the opening goal, with Saka's England tally now standing at seven goals from 25 matches.

Speaking of the goal, Dion Dublin said on Radio 5 Live: "Oh my word.

"What a finish from Bukayo Saka. He drifts into the corner edge of the box and sets himself perfectly to curl it in at the far post. What a finish!"

Having beaten Italy thanks to goals from Declan Rice and a Kane penalty, England's new record goalscorer was honoured before their Wembley fixture.

The 29-year-old took to the field before the game with his two young daughters, with wife Kate then carrying out their son for a family snap.

It was fitting that Kane went on to grab the opener, now sitting two goals ahead of Wayne Rooney's tally of 53.

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