27 March 2023 , 06:00
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Gareth Southgate hailed “ruthless” Bukayo Saka - and then insisted the Arsenal winger can get even better.
Saka, 21, scored a 25 yard screamer and supplied an assist for Harry Kane as England maintained their perfect start to the Euros qualifying campaign in Group C.
England boss Southgate insisted Saka has taken his game to another level and said: “It was a top-level finish. That is the ruthless part he has added to his game in the last 18 months or so.
“There were times you weren't sure he was going to finish but now he has that confidence in front of goal.
“His hunger and his humility have got him on a good path so he has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that is how he is wired, and I don’t see that changing with him and his family. I am not going to get drawn on where he is in world football.
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“He is progressing brilliantly, a joy to work with. When he is in front of goal now he plays with real belief and that is evident with his club and with his games with us.
“You are expecting him to score now when he goes through and that is a mentality shift as much as anything technical. He knows to be a really top wide player you need the number of goals and assists.”
Saka scored a superb strike from distance (AFP via Getty Images)Arsenal star Saka admitted his goal was among the best of his career - and then admitted he is desperate to carry on his amazing run by helping the Gunners seal the Premier League title.
Saka said: “That was definitely up there. Soon as it left my foot I sort of knew it was going to be on target and when I looked up it was top corner, so yeah, one of my better goals.
"We played really well and we're happy with the three points. Football is fun, always fun - that's why I started playing it! I'm really enjoying my football right now, and I just hope the happiness can continue towards the end of the season.”
Ukraine boss Ruslan Rotan was disappointed in defeat but praised the support from the Wembley crowd and said: “It was an atmosphere unlike any other international game I’ve experienced.”