Jadon Sancho shared a poignant tribute to Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka in the aftermath of England's Euro 2024 triumph over Switzerland.
Saka, 22, was instrumental in powering the Three Lions to the Euro semi-finals, netting an essential equaliser before coolly converting his spot-kick in the penalty shootout. And Gareth Southgate's squad showed a calm during the penalty shootout that couldn't have been in starker contrast to their Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy three years ago.
Both Saka and Sancho missed their shootout attempts - along with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford - on that occasion. The trio was subject to a wave of racial abuse in the aftermath of the final, resulting in multiple individuals being jailed for posting offensive comments online.
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Despite being left at home for Euro 2024, Sancho revelled in his compatriot's shining moment as England triumphed in Dusseldorf. The United winger - who faces an uncertain future with Old Trafford - lauded Saka's impressive display against the Swiss and used the occasion to highlight his redemption arc after the trauma they suffered at the last tournament, as per The Mirror.
Sancho took to Instagram and posted a picture of Saka holding up his Player of the Match award from Saturday's clash, captioning it: "I'm so proud of this guy @bukayosaka87! You did it for me and Marcus brother!"
Saka, 22, responded with a post of his own and re-shared the same picture, acknowledging Sancho's praise with the caption: "My boys."
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After the unfair criticism they faced from some fans for their penalty misses at Wembley three years ago, Saka's display in the last-16 match was in direct contrast. The Gunners star consistently looked like England's most dangerous asset and quickly pulled them back into the match following Breel Embolo's late breakthrough.
Sancho missed out on a place in Southgate's squad despite a strong loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in the latter half of the last campaign. His future under Erik ten Hag remains up in the air after a fallout with the United manager last year.
Rashford also failed to make the cut having had a tough time finding form at United last term. At the end of the season, the 26-year-old announced he'd be stepping away from social media amid speculation regarding his future at the club.
"It's time to come off Socials for a few weeks. I plan to rest and reset mentally after a challenging season individually and collectively," he wrote on X. "Thanks to the fans that stood by me through a difficult period. To the ones that didn't just remember at United, we always stick together."
England's journey continues as they prepare to take on the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Wednesday, a match that promises to be a defining moment against a formidable opponent. But for now, Saka has already proved he won't allow the demons of his past to dictate England's success in the present.
