Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka has revealed how Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who captains the England national side, has been instrumental in helping him to settle into life in the Three Lions camp.
The 19-year-old received his first call-up to the senior England squad in October and has remained in Gareth Southgate’s plans for upcoming fixtures against the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland.
For a young player not even in his 20s, the experience of being called to represent your team internationally may seem a daunting experience, but Saka has revealed how Kane has helped him in a recent press conference [as per Sky Sports]:
“The first minute I came in you know, Harry Kane, he put his arm round me and he spoke to me and he asked me how I was and stuff like this.
“For him to do that just helped me settle in much quicker and made me feel comfortable to be myself around everyone and that helps me not just off the pitch but on the pitch ‘cause I feel like I can express myself, be myself and play with the confidence I play with back at my club.”
The talismanic Spurs striker has been in impeccable form for Arsenal’s north London rivals, notching seven goals and eight assists in just eight Premier League appearances this season, but his prowess on the pitch is seemingly matched by his leadership and interpersonal skills.
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It is refreshing to see that the heated rivalry between the two clubs does not spill out into the England camp. Indeed, Saka’s quotes indicate that Kane has welcomed him into the squad with open arms and serves as a model example of a captain.
Kane’s leadership could have an unlikely benefit for Arsenal. If Saka gels well and can break into England starting XIs, any good form may well boost Saka’s confidence at club level too.
It is a remarkable contrast from fears in 2019 that a united England squad could be divided over club competitiveness.
