Bukayo Saka won the Player of the Match award for England’s friendly win over Ireland on Thursday, winning a penalty for the team.

The England fans voted Bukayo Saka their Player of the Match after his performance against Ireland on Thursday night.

Saka was one of the more creative players in the team during the match, making three chances and completing 90% of his passes. He also completed 100% of his take-ons and won all of his aerial duels and tackles.

The Arsenal man had the chance to score himself, dragging the ball away from a defender with a nice first touch before poking just wide of the goal to hit the side netting.

In the end, Saka’s biggest contribution wasn’t scoring or assisting, but winning a penalty. The 19-year-old raced away from Cyrus Christie before a clear foul from the Irish defender gave Dominic Calvert-Lewin the chance to convert.

It was only Saka’s second appearance for England, after he played 76 minutes against Wales in October. He’s still waiting on his competitive debut for the country, but perhaps he’ll get it over the upcoming Nations League games now.

A positive attacking display and the Player of the Match award can’t have done his chances under Gareth Southgate any harm.