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‘I didn’t expect this:’ Bukayo Saka is SHOCKED after winning England Player of the Year… as Arsenal star beats Tottenham striker Harry Kane and West Ham anchors Declan Rice in the award
- Bukayo Saka has been voted England Player of the Year for 2021-22 by fans
- He defeated Harry Kane and Declan Rice, who took second and third respectively
- The young Arsenal star looked visibly shocked when he accepted the award
- The 21-year-old exclaimed: ‘No way! I honestly didn’t expect this. I am honoured’
- Saka played nine caps and scored three goals in the last campaign
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Bukayo Saka looked visibly shocked as he took home the England Player of the Year award on Friday.
The Arsenal star, who shoved England captain and runner-up Harry Kane and third-place finisher Declan Rice to the gong, was regarded by voters as England’s most outstanding performer in the past 12 months.
Saka, 21, has played nine caps for the Three Lions this season, scoring three goals, putting in a man-of-the-match performance in England’s 4-0 win over Andorra on his birthday last September.
Bukayo Saka looked stunned as he took home the England Player of the Year award on Friday
The winger was voted England’s most outstanding performer by fans, ahead of runner-up Harry Kane
And now, a year later, the Gunners winger has gained the absolute confidence of the fans as England prepare to take on Italy in the Nations League on Friday night.
Saka missed the all-important penalty against the Azzurri in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley and had to show character to come back for both club and country.
The youngster won the Arsenal’s Player of the Season award for a second consecutive campaign and was nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the world’s best-playing players aged 21 and under.
The 21-year-old star is preparing to take on Italy with Gareth Southgate’s side on Friday night
Spurs ace Harry Kane and West Ham anchor Declan Rice were second and third respectively
Receiving the England Player of the Year award, presented by a group of young grassroots footballers at a mock press conference, Saka was particularly surprised.
‘Not really!’ he said in disbelief when he was presented with the trophy.
‘I honestly didn’t expect this. I am honoured.
“I’m so happy, I can’t put into words how happy I am. It’s really nice to get this trophy, and that’s all I can say!
Saka scored three international goals in nine appearances for the Three Lions in 2021-22
“Playing for England is so special, there are so many kids who want to play for teams and it’s very difficult, so to be picked to play for your country is another level of honor and pride in yourself.
“So I’m just really happy every time I come here, put on the shirt and play at Wembley in front of all the fans.
“It’s a nice feeling.”