With the first round of World Cup group fixtures now behind us, Bukayo Saka has been named WhoScored’s Player of the Round.

England's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
England’s Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Brazil and Serbia played out the final game of the first round of group stage fixtures at the World Cup on Thursday night, so WhoScored put out their Team of the Round the following morning.

Bukayo Saka was the only Arsenal entrant in the side, though Matt Turner, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all featured for at least some of their opening group games.

William Saliba, Aaron Ramsdale, and Ben White are the trio who will keep waiting for their World Cup debuts in the coming games.

But for Saka, as well as featuring in the Team of the Round, he was also named Player of the Round.

The Arsenal winger scored twice from three shots for England, as well as creating a great chance for Mason Mount and completing one dribble and 82% of his passes from his advanced position on the right.

Bukayo Saka with the England Man of the Match award for his World Cup debut (Photo via England)
Bukayo Saka with the England Man of the Match award for his World Cup debut (Photo via England)

Saka is expected to keep his place in the England lineup as Gareth Southgate’s side take on the United States on Friday night. The Athletic report that an unchanged eleven is expected for that match, meaning Saka will start once again.

As the current joint-top scorer in the competition – along with Olivier Giroud, Richarlison, Mehdi Taremi, Ferran Torres, and Enner Valencia – Saka will hope to add to his World Cup tally in his second start.