Video: Bukayo Saka stunned by Jordan Pickford’s save ahead of England v France

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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was left amazed by reported Tottenham Hotspur target Jordan Pickford after he denied the Gunners star’s close-range effort in England training.

The Three Lions take on France this evening in the quarter-final of the World Cup. It’s a massive game for both countries, and even though Les Bleus will be viewed as the favourites by many, we expect it to be very close.

Saka and Pickford could both have a huge say in the game.

Bukayo Saka stunned by Tottenham target Jordan Pickford’s save in England training.

Gareth Southgate put his men through the paces in Qatar yesterday ahead of their big game at the Al Bayt Satdium this evening.

England’s stars were practicing their finishing by getting on the end of a cross from the left side of the pitch, and many of them found the back of the net in fantastic style.

In the video uploaded on England’s YouTube channel, Newcastle star Kieran Trippier is seen crossing the ball in with his right foot from the left side of the pitch.

Phil Foden cut the ball back into the path of Saka, who, after readjusting his body, managed to divert the ball goalwards. Pickford, however, denied him with a really good save.

Saka just couldn’t believe that his shot didn’t find the back of the net. “Oh my God,” he’s heard saying after the £30 million (Sky Sports) Everton star saved his close-range strike.

Skip to 09:12 in the video below to watchPickford’s save and Saka’s reaction.

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England will have to be at their absolute best this evening, and Saka and Pickford could well be their most important players.

The defending champions have a fantastic attack. Kylian Mbappe has lit up the World Cup so far, while the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud have all impressed too.

Pickford, a player Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want to sign as a replacement for Hugo Lloris (90min), will have to bring his A-game to stop them all from scoring.

At the other end of the pitch, Saka could really shine. He will surely have space to exploit on France’s left-side, and if his teammates can find him on the counter-attack, he could cause serious damage.

It will be interesting to see how this game pans out, but if Saka and Pickford both have an outstanding game, England could send the defending champions back home.