Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has singled out Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for significant praise following his performances for England at the World Cup. The 21-year-old scored three goals in the Three Lions campaign with his best display arguably coming in the quarter-final defeat to France.
After notching a brace in the 6-2 win against Iran, Saka also started the clash with the USMNT but a drab attacking performance prompted Gareth Southgate to bring in Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden for Raheem Sterling and Saka against Wales.
The England boss was then faced with a difficult dilemma over who he would start on the wing for England's last-16 fixture against Senegal. Saka and Foden were the chosen duo and after combining to score England's third, which was finished by Saka, the pair remained in the team for the quarter-final match with France.
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However, they each endured differing fortunes against France with Saka at the heart of everything good done by Southgate's side which included winning a penalty that was converted by Harry Kane. Foden, meanwhile, struggled to make a lasting impact in the game.
The dust has now somewhat settled on the World Cup after Argentina won a dramatic final against France and many have been discussing their respective team of the tournament.
Rio Ferdinand along with Patrice Evra gave their thoughts on the tournament's best performers with their team including the two stars of the final in Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. The final spot in the front three was reserved for Julian Alvarez, although Ferdinand admitted it was difficult to leave out one England star.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel, he said: "I've just got to give a special mention to Bukayo Saka. I thought he was really, really good. He was close to getting in my team, I have to say.
"He scored three goals. Every game he was pressuring and asking questions. He won a penalty against France. Every game he did something that made me think 'oooh he's top level'."
There were some stark differences in Ferdinand and Evra's team compared to the team put forward by EA, with one being the latter's inclusion of Foden, which left both former United legends bemused: "Saka should have been before Foden" Ferdinand said, with Evra replying,"100% I agree with Rio. Why is Foden is in the starting XI and not Saka?"
Both Saka and Foden are preparing to return to Premier League action next week as Manchester City travel to Leeds on Wednesday, December 28 following their Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool on Thursday. The Gunners, meanwhile, will welcome West Ham to Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, December 27.
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