Declan Rice praises ‘special’ Saka after Arsenal star returns to England team with a goal – and responds to Tuchel’s comments | OneFootball

Declan Rice says it was “special” to see Bukayo Saka scoring in an England shirt once again.

The Arsenal winger’s injury problems mean he has missed out on several Three Lions squads, but returned to the starting line-up to score a superb third for his side in the win over Wales.

“I think he’s done that a few times here at Wembley now,” Saka’s club and country team-mate Rice said.

“I think he did that against Ukraine once for us, putting it in the top bins when he rolled it inside.

“To see him scoring again for England was special.”

On the victory, Rice, who captained his country for the game in the absence of Harry Kane, said: “Tonight was all about the momentum, building on what we’ve done against Serbia in the last camp.

“So to win against Wales, like I said before the game it was a really big night for us so I’m glad we could win.”

England boss Thomas Tuchel criticised the England fans for a lack of atmosphere following the friendly win and asked for his thoughts on those comments, Rice responded: “It’s always difficult. I think they were brilliant for us in the first half when we scored the three goals and England fans always want to be entertained.

“Probably when it’s a bit of a more boring second half I understand where they’re coming from a little bit.

“But the manager just mentioned that inside so hopefully we can keep winning and excite the fans.”