England manager Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet to Bukayo Saka, urging the winger to replicate his blistering Arsenal form for the national team.
Saka was on target in England’s 3–0 friendly win over Wales on Thursday, scoring his 13th goal in 45 appearances for the Three Lions. The strike made him Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer in England’s history, a milestone that drew applause from fans but not complete satisfaction from Tuchel.
“How many goals did he score for England?” Tuchel asked. “13? One three? It has to be more, it’s not enough. He needs to keep on going. I thought it was 30, at least, and then I would have said it’s not enough, because I am never satisfied.
“He is such a threat for Arsenal in the most difficult league in the world, so why would he not be at international level? We have the position for him, he has the attitude, the stamina, the talent, everything to be a top player at international level, and that’s what he has to show.”
The England boss, who has already earned a reputation for demanding the best from his players, ended on a motivational note.
“We can just encourage him to be influential, like he was today. Next game, he needs to try to repeat it.”
Saka, who has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers under Mikel Arteta, now faces the challenge of turning Tuchel’s call into action when England continue their preparations ahead of the next round of fixtures.
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