Bukayo Saka hits brace as England rout Croatia 7-0 in Nations League

WHAT HAPPENED
Bukayo Saka returned to form on Nations League duty, scoring a brace as England recorded a 7-0 away win over Croatia on Saturday. The Arsenal winger had been under pressure after unconvincing displays against Spain and Czechia, with suggestions he should be dropped or rested, but manager Thomas Tuchel started him and Saka made an immediate impact.

KEY CONTEXT
Saka’s two goals were his first from open play since the 1-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa in August. The performance follows a recent lean spell in which his form drew criticism after matches against Spain and Czechia.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
England have one more fixture before the extended international break: a home game against Czechia. Saka will most likely feature in that match before rejoining Arsenal for Premier League action. Arsenal will hope he can carry this momentum into their upcoming clash with Leeds United as they seek to return to winning ways.