Bukayo Saka on the joy of playing football, mood in the camp, his toughest opponent and backing Anthony Joshua’s ‘laugh last’ mantra

Bukayo Saka says there is a good feeling in the England squad as they prepare for their Euro 2024 last-16 showdown with Slovakia.

The Arsenal star sat down for an exclusive interview with talkSPORT’s Faye Carruthers on Friday at England’s media base in Germany, and cut a relaxed figure ahead of Sunday’s knockout clash.

Saka is relishing the last-16 clash this weekend

Manager Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions players been heavily criticised throughout the group games.

Despite finishing top of Group C to secure a favourable looking route to the final, England laboured in a 1-0 victory over Serbia and were far from impressive in draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

England next face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday with the winner going on to face either Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals.

Quizzed on the feeling within the camp, Saka said: “There’s obviously been a perception from outside, but you know, I think inside the camp, you know, we have a good feeling now.

“We wanted to come into this tournament and qualify top of the group, and we’ve done that. So now we put the group stage to the side and focus on the knockouts now. So yeah, we’re looking forward to that.”

The 22-year-old is a calm character, and certainly doesn’t seem to be feeling any pressure as England head into Sunday’s game as the overwhelming favouries.

“I would say football is like just joy, you know, just happiness. I think when I get on the pitch, everything, any problems, anything is just gone and I’m just on the pitch having fun,” he said.

“I’d say I just love the ball at my feet the most, you know, just being able to dribble, pass, shoot, be free on the pitch. Just love football.”

Saka isn’t showing any sign of feeling the pressure playing for EnglandCredit: GETTY

He has started all three of England’s Euro 2024 games so far and looks certain to start against SlovakiaCredit: Getty

Saka has been an important figure under Southgate and gave his backing to the under-fire boss, saying: “He’s always supported me and trusted me and played me in a lot of big games so I appreciate that and I know a lot of the boys feel the same. We’ll just focus on trying to win the next game.”

With England having been roundly criticised so far this summer. the winger welcomed recent comments from another sports star, who himself is used to winning major titles.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua recently claimed that receiving stick is part of being a top athlete and challenged England’s players to make sure they have the last laugh.

Joshua was quoted as saying: “Of course they’re taking stick, that’s what people do. So forget the stick, it is what it is, go out there and win it! Take the stick, laugh last.”

Reacting to AJ’s words, Saka said: “I agree with him. I think that’s a great comment and I hope we laugh last.”

The Arsenal winger spoke of his appreciation of Southgate in the talkSPORT interview

Saka also endorsed recent comments from Anthony Joshua that challenged England to go all the way in GermanyCredit: BBC

Like many of his England teammates, Saka is yet to hit top form at Euro 2024 but that will not deter Slovakia from keeping close tabs on the speedy forward on Sunday.

Another impressive campaign with Arsenal ensured Saka was a shoo-in for the Three Lions in Germany.

Not just content with causing nightmares for Premier League defenders, Saka was handed the opportunity to try his hand in the Champions League and announced himself at the top table of European football with an impressive four goals and four assists in nine games.

Saka’s pace and wizardry means he is used to getting the better of his opponents; however he admits one player provides him with a challenge like no other.

Luckily for the winger, he is spared the difficulty of going up against his nemesis too often, instead embracing a mouth-watering international alliance.

“I think Kyle Walker is definitely up there,” Saka told talkSPORT when pressed on who his toughest challenger at club level is among his England teammates.

“If you ask most wingers, coming up against him is a very tough challenge but now most of the time he’s playing behind me so it’s nice to have that confidence behind you. With someone so strong like that, I feel free to attack.”

Saka admits England teammate Walker is a difficult opponent – and he’s glad he is on the same side for the Three Lions

Kobbie Mainoo is in serious contention to make his first competitive England start against Slovakia, and Saka is backing the 19-year-old Manchester United starlet to take it in his stride if selected.

“I think he’s very mature,” he said. “You know, since day one in training, we can all see his talent, and he’s got a lot of quality. And when he came on the other day (against Slovenia), he showed that. I just want him to to keep going.”

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka names his position for England and where he feels most comfortable on the pitch

There could be a few further changes to the XI as England look to find a winning formula, but Saka doesn’t seem too enamoured with the suggestion he could switch to left-back.

“I think we should trust Gareth and leave the decision to him – yeah, believe in him and the team,” he said when asked about potentially swapping positions, before adding “I feel more comfortable on the right and I think that’s where I play best.

“A lot of the time it’s about coming in on my stronger foot, being able to link up with players, playing passes and taking shots – stuff like that.

“It’s when I’m at my best so that’s why I think it’s my best position.”

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