French media praise Bukayo Saka as Mail give laughable rating

December 11, 2022
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DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka of England celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 202. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) — DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka of England celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 202. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

England were knocked out of the World Cup after a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France on Saturday night, with Bukayo Saka winning a penalty converted by Harry Kane before Kane missed a second spot-kick won by Mason Mount.

Notoriously harsh with their player ratings, L’Equipe gave their highest rating for an England player to Bukayo Saka. Saka received a 7/10, with no other England man scoring higher than a 6.

L'Equipe player ratinsg England v France — L’Equipe player ratinsg England v France

Only Olivier Giroud (7), Antoine Griezmann (7), and Hugo Lloris (8) could match Saka’s rating from the French outlet on the night.

Back in England, The Telegraph actually rated Saka as their Man of the Match with a 9/10. They wrote:

“So unfortunate that a foul by Upamecano was not given on him in the build-up to Tchouameni’s opening goal, but got the perfect revenge by forcing the France midfielder into the foul on him that won the penalty for Kane’s equaliser.

“A constant threat to the France defenders.”

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 18: Bukayo Saka (c) alongside Raheem Stirling (l) and Marcus Rashford (r) during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 18, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka (c) alongside Raheem Stirling (l) and Marcus Rashford (r) during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 18, 2022. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Saka deserves all the praise for his performance, as he created a big chance on top of his penalty won, and he won more duels (eight) than anyone else on the pitch.

Daily Telegraph player ratings England vs France

The Arsenal winger was officially fouled four times, but the referee seemed to ignore a number of other incidents. Saka also got back to make three tackles, only Jude Bellingham made more.

Inevitably, not everyone agreed, with the Daily Mail giving Saka (6.5) a lower rating than even Harry Kane (7). But ignoring the tabloids, it seems the media at large are in agreement that Saka was one of the shining lights as England exited the World Cup.

Mail on Sunday gave Harry Kane a 7 and Bukayo Saka a 6.5. pic.twitter.com/1WR8ZFCH73
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) December 11, 2022

With three goals and that penalty won leading to a goal in his four World Cup appearances, Saka should take plenty of confidence from his showing in Qatar.