Bukayo Saka’s treatment after Iceland loss exposed

Spotlight on Arsenal winger following England’s Euro 2024 warmup defeat was an unwelcome reminder for black fans

The response by sections of the English press to England’s 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their final Euro 2024 warmup game raised some uncomfortable issues, not for the first time. The best that can be said is that at least they emerged before the tournament and not after, and hopefully there will be some lessons (re)learned.

England played poorly in a disjointed performance that lacked sharpness. Iceland scored in the 12th minute and despite having most of Gareth Southgate’s likely first XI on the pitch, England missed chances and could not find a cutting edge. Late substitutions further muddied the waters.