Three-time World Cupper admits Saka was clever to win England a penalty in loss to France

Three-time World Cupper Austin Okocha has admitted that Bukayo Saka was clever to draw Aurelien Tchouameni into the foul that led to the referee awarding England a penalty in the second half of their 2-1 loss to defending champions France at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

The Three Lions missed an opportunity to face Morocco in the semifinals following the loss to France. 

Harry Kane leveled matters in the 54th minute when he converted the penalty won by Saka, taking his international goals to 53 in the process - level with all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney.

England were awarded another penalty in the 84th minute but the Tottenham Hotspur striker uncharacteristically sent his shot over the bar.

Speaking on SuperSport shortly after the game, Okocha said : "That's where experience comes in. You can't dive inside your 18 yard box and credit to Saka he was waiting for that. He is so clever and played for it."

Saka appeared in all the matches played by England at the 2022 World Cup with the exception of the last group game against Wales, and was on target on three occasions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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