Bukayo Saka was the toast of England on Saturday night. The Arsenal forward ensured England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland went into extra-time, scoring an equaliser on 80 minutes after Breel Embolo had put the Swiss in front.

Then, Saka was on target from the spot in the penalty shootout, banishing memories of his Euro 2020 final shootout heartbreak by helping England win on spot-kicks to reach the semi-finals.

Arsenal’s starboy was named man of the match for his all-round display, with Saka consistently the one most likely to get in behind the Swiss defence and get England on the attack.

England have made it all the way to the final four without playing at the absolute peak of their powers – much like France on the other side of the Euro 2024 draw. Much has been said in the media about England’s performances at this tournament under Gareth Southgate.

Southgate, however, has, in the main, stuck to his guns, making very few changes either before or during matches. The Three Lions coach was forced into one change for the Switzerland clash, with Marc Guehi’s suspension seeing Ezri Konsa come into the team.

And Southgate opted to go to three at the back with that change, bringing Kyle Walker into that three, with Saka and Trippier playing as wing-backs.

Saka was outstanding in the role and took the opportunity to hit back at England’s critics in his goal celebration. After jumping into substitute Aaron Ramsdale’s arms and then celebrating with the rest of the Three Lions’ team, Saka used both hands, opening and closing fingers and thumbs to signify the talk that has been going on in the media and on social media about England’s performances.

England’s players have used ‘blah blah’ as a reference to that talk, getting the job done on the pitch no matter what.

And Saka has now broken his silence on the match and the goal and the celebration itself. Posting on his Instagram account, the Arsenal forward said: “Love always wins.”