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DOHA. — Bukayo Saka laughed off comparisons with France superstar Kylian Mbappe, insisting “there is only one Mbappe, and only one me” ahead of meeting in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
England booked their place in Saturday’s grudge match at the Al Bayt Stadium following a 3-0 win over Senegal, with Saka netting the final England goal on the night.
It takes his tally at the tournament to three, two behind leading scorer Mbappe, but any talk of being compared to the Paris Saint-Germain superstar has quickly been shot down by Saka himself.
Asked if he is England’s own Mbappe, he said: “Thanks, but no. I think there’s only one Mbappe — and only one me.
“I just want to help my team. There’s a lot of young players doing well, including in our team. The priority is to win the tournament, not player of the tournament, or young player of the tournament.”
This is Saka’s first experience of a World Cup — but he appears at home on the biggest stage.
France, who defeated Poland 3-1 in the last-16 to book a date with England, will represent a significant step up in quality for the Three Lions, but the “big” rivalry between the two nations excites, rather than scares, Saka.
“The rivalry in this World Cup is big — two nations that have performed exceptionally well,” the Arsenal winger said.
“We’ve followed them and we see the quality they have it’s going to be an exciting game.
“Obviously we know the quality they have, but we know our own quality also. We just have to play our best game.”
He went on to add: “I think of course this (England) team has a lot players that have played in big tournaments — a lot of tournament experience. The last few tournaments we’ve done well.
“When the big games come we have a lot of players that know what they need to do.”
As good as Saka and the rest of the front-line have been — they are top scorers in the tournament so far — the Arsenal ace was quick to credit the defence, which has been a bedrock on which to build success.
A clean sheet against Senegal was the third from four games, with only Iran managing to score past Jordan Pickford thus far.
“Think first of all if you look at our first four games — we’ve had three clean sheets,” Saka said.
“Credit to the backline. At the same time we’ve scored the most goals — I think we need to prepare the best game we can.”
Saka also said he would be “more than happy” if he is required to take a penalty against France in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
Saka was one of three players to miss a spot-kick in England’s Euros final defeat by Italy last year.
He was subjected to online racist abuse following the final at Wembley, but he says “love from the fans” has helped him regain his confidence.
“Personally I’ve tried to move on from that moment,” said Saka.
“Obviously I know I can never really forget about that — it’s there in history.
“But at the same time coming out here and scoring those three goals, of course, lifted me a lot — and the love from the fans that I keep receiving has lifted me a lot as well and gives me a lot of confidence.
“I have matured and progressed a lot since that moment. I wouldn’t have stepped up the number of times I have for Arsenal if I was not confident.
“If the moment comes and I am selected to take it, I will be more than happy to.”
Saka (21) says England have nothing to fear when they face the World Cup holders on Saturday.
“There’s a lot of tournament experience (in the squad) now,” said Saka.
“If you look at the results from the last few tournaments we’ve been in, we’ve got to a semi-final, a final and a quarter-final.
“So when the big games come we have a lot of players who know what they need to do.” — BBC Sport
Online Reporter