Bukayo Saka impresses French press in World Cup but one star gets a 4

England head for home as World Cup hopes are ended

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Bukayo Saka was England’s standout player in Saturday’s crushing World Cup quarter-final defeat to France, and the French media agrees. The 21-year-old has been one of the tournament’s best forwards in Qatar, going out with a bang as he overshadowed Kylian Mbappe at Al Bayt Stadium.

Saka looked menacing from the first whistle as France struggled to contain his pace and dribbling ability on the right flank. The Arsenal winger has etched his place as a regular starter under Gareth Southgate, finishing his first World Cup with three goals in four starts.

Against Les Bleus, Saka took 42 touches, won eight duels and created two chances before being replaced by Raheem Sterling after Olivier Giroud netted the eventual winner in the 79th minute. He also drew four fouls, including for Harry Kane’s second penalty of the night, and is returning to club football as a man in fine form.

French outlet L’Equipe were unsurprisingly impressed by Saka, labelling him the game’s ‘most dangerous forward’ with a ‘complete performance’. And they handed him a rating of seven out of 10 for his eye-catching display, only bettered by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

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Saka was the highest-rated England player, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Declan Rice and Kane narrowly behind with six. All five Three Lions aces were more lauded than Mbappe, who received a five for a quiet performance. Match-winner Giroud and the provider of his glancing header, Antoine Griezmann, joined Saka as the only seven-rated players on the pitch.

L’Equipe weren’t as impressed by Phil Foden, who wasn’t as effective as his fellow winger before being withdrawn for Marcus Rashford as England searched for a second equaliser late on. They handed the Manchester City star a four, the joint-lowest rating alongside Theo Hernandez, who Saka ran rings around and clumsily conceded England’s second penalty.

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Saka has been widely hailed after his performance against France and throughout the entire tournament. Former Gunner Mesut Ozil was among those sending him messages of support on social media, insisting there was no shame in falling to defeat against the reigning champions.

He wrote: “You don’t need to feel ashamed, Team England. A strong performance against the current world champion, good defending against Mbappe and Co. But France very effective, as always. Great game from my brother – the future belongs to you.”

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