Football fans fired bombshells at major English media houses for using Bukayo Saka’s Face to report England’s shock 1-0 friendly loss to Iceland.
The Three Lions played their last friendly against Iceland at Wembley on Friday, June 6 ahead of their 2024 Euros campaign. In a game, the Gareth Southgate-led boys were expected to ace with ease, Iceland pulled a shocker at Wembley, running away with a shock win.
Jon Dagur Thorstensson saw off the challenge from John Stones before beating out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to fire Iceland into the lead in the 12th minute. England captain and Bayern Munich sensation Harry Kane had a chance to level terms for the home side but blazed his effort over the crossbar.
Iceland, who were considered minnows, also had a chance to double the lead but failed to make it count. After going down by a loan goal, England had enough time to equalize and possibly pull a comeback but were stopped by a resilient Iceland side determined to get off Wembley with a win.
Shockingly, the game ended with a loss for England, further raising questions about their chances going into the 2024 Euros which kicks off on June 14, 2024.
Major English Media Outlets reported the game with Bukayo Saka’s face
UK media houses stoked controversies and raised eyebrows by reporting the match with the face of Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka.
As captured by TheShadeBorough, BBC, The Sun, Star Sport; all have their front pages feature Bukayo Saka as they report the match. This sparked condemnation by various football fans, who blasted the media outlets for racism.
The sleuthing fans questioned the integrity of the media outlets for using the face of Saka in their report when the player only played for 25 minutes in the game.
A fan wrote, “Phil Foden played the full 90 minutes. And Cole Palmer played 77 minutes. Yet, it is Saka, who came on as a sub in the 65th minute that the media puts front and center. This isn’t a conspiracy, it is blatant racism by the English media. I’d you can’t see it maybe you also have a problem.”
Another fan wrote, “Are we even surprised? Typical English behaviour.”
Another said, “Bro didn’t even start the match.”
Saka came on as a 65th-minute substitute for Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon in the game but failed to make a tangible mark in the game as his teammates, who had no way through Iceland’s brink-wall block.
Netizens believe the Arsenal star deserved fair press coverage instead of being scapegoated as a culprit for the loss when he only played for 25 minutes only.
Bukayo Saka has been an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s squad since he broke into the team in 2020. He has won 33 caps, scoring 11 goals. The Arsenal Academy graduate will be hoping to continue his elite-level performance as he joins the Three Lions for his second Euros appearance after the 2020 edition.
England 2024 Euros fixtures and how to watch
England are in Group C of the 2024 Euros alongside Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. Away from the shock defeat to Iceland, The Three Lions will hope to open their 2024 Euros campaign with victory when they take on Serbia on June 16, before playing Denmark on June 20. Their last group game is against Slovenia on June 25. You can watch all the matches live as it happens on beINSPORTS and other online streaming platforms.
