England winger Bukayo Saka knows he has to bring his club form to the international stage – and his manager Thomas Tuchel agrees.
The 24-year-old, whose early season was curtailed by injury, returned to Tuchel’s side for the 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley and marked the occasion with a stunning goal.
That saw him become the top-scoring Arsenal player in an England shirt with 13, though Tuchel quipped it should be 30, not 13.
Saka has been one of the stars of the Premier League for the Gunners over the last few seasons, recently completing 100 goal contributions, but knows he has to do more in an England shirt.
“I have missed a lot of England games, especially under Thomas and I haven’t scored for a while either, so to come back and put the ball in the back of the net is a special feeling,” he said after he found the top corner with a brilliant effort.
“The way I perform for Arsenal I want to take it into England and perform better in games and be more effective. That is always my plan.
Saka-Arsenal
“Last camp I was really gutted I had to miss it, so coming back into the team today is a really nice feeling and to get that opportunity to put the shirt on again and score is an amazing feeling.”
Tuchel challenges Saka to score more for England
Tuchel has challenged the winger to bring more to his side, insisting he has all the conditions to perform.
Tuchel said: “How many goals did he score for England? Thirteen? 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.
Saka-england-wales
“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.
“We can just encourage him to be influential, like he was today. Next game, he needs to try to repeat it.”