Rio Ferdinand names England's 'most important player' after reaching Euro 2024 semi-final

Rio Ferdinand insists Bukayo Saka is the “most important” England player at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate's men came from behind to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in Dusseldorf. Saka equalised with a brilliant effort after Breel Embolo’s opener for what was his first goal of the tournament. The Arsenal winger found the net in the resultant shootout - alongside four of his colleagues. But Ferdinand saved special praise for Saka and believes he is decisive for England.

Speaking on BBC after the game, the former England defender said: “Everything about him just comes across as being so positive. You can’t help but love him, not only for his football but his personality and the character he’s shown [since Euro 2020].

“He’s arguably the most important England player. He’s so different to everyone else. He’s the one who runs at people one vs one, and goes behind. Today he played wing-back. He’s so direct. So talented.”

Saka’s success from the spot represented a full circle moment for the Arsenal wideman. He endured shocking racist abuse after his failure in the Euro 2020 final.

He claimed that his success this time around ranked among his career highlights. The 22-year-old said: "I am going to put it up there, special. How we fought back and to go to penalties.

“Last time we took at penalty shootout at the Euros we know what happened. I believed. I felt like we dominated the whole game and the chance would come and I took it - I am proud of myself for that."

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He also referenced his miss against Italy and the mental battle he has endured since. Saka added: "I have faith in God. To comeback from something like that is really difficult, today I took the chance."

"I think it shows how much we want to win this tournament,” he also said about England’s character. “Hopefully, next game we can win in 90-minutes but if this is what it takes – we will do anything!"

Saka’s England record now sits at 12 goals and six assists in 38 caps. His bright Three Lions form comes after a season in which he scored 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal.

England will certainly hope Saka can continue his hot form as they attempt to plot their route through to glory. The Three Lions will take on either the Netherlands or Turkey in the last four. That game will take place in Dortmund on Wednesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.

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