Bukayo Saka breaks silence on goal celebration as Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice gets involved

Bukayo Saka was England’s darling on Saturday night. The Arsenal forward sent England through to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals against Switzerland in extra time, scoring the equaliser in the 80th minute after Breel Embolo had put the Swiss ahead.

Saka then scored from the penalty spot in the shootout, chasing away memories of his heartbreak in the Euro 2020 final shootout by helping England win on penalties to reach the semi-finals.

The Arsenal star was named man of the match for his all-round performance, with Saka consistently the one most likely to get behind the Swiss defence and put England on the attack.

England have managed to reach the last four without playing at their best, much like France at the other end of the draw at Euro 2024. Much has been made of England’s performances at the tournament under Gareth Southgate in the media.

Southgate, for his part, has largely maintained his approach, making very few changes before or during matches. The Three Lions manager was forced to make one change for the clash against Switzerland, with Marc Guehi’s suspension forcing Ezri Konsa into the squad.

And Southgate opted to go to three at the back with that change, bringing Kyle Walker into that three, with Saka and Trippier playing as wing-backs.

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Saka was exceptional in this role and took the opportunity to respond to England’s criticism during his goal celebration. After jumping into the arms of substitute Aaron Ramsdale and celebrating with the rest of the Three Lions squad, Saka used both hands, opening and closing his fingers and thumbs to signify the discourse that has been taking place in the media and on social media about England’s performance.

The England players used ‘blah blah’ as ​​a reference to this speech, doing the job on the pitch no matter what.

And Saka has now broken his silence on the match, the goal and the celebration itself. On his Instagram account, the Arsenal forward said: “Love always wins.”

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His Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice was one of the first to respond to his post, simply using the same word twice: Bla Bla with a talking emoji.

England will face the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday 10 July.