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Bukayo Saka crowned England Men’s Player of the Year for 2022-23
Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka has been crowned the England Men’s Player of the Year for the 2022-23 campaign, scooping the accolade for the second time in a row.
Amid another strong domestic campaign with the Gunners during their unexpected Premier League title charge, the winger continued to go from strength to strength in an England jersey.
A regular starter for Gareth Southgate during the 2022 World Cup, Saka came up with three goals in Qatar and won a penalty for Harry Kane to convert in their quarter-final defeat to France.
Since the turn of the year, Saka has played his part in four successive Euro 2024 qualifying victories for the Three Lions, firstly scoring and setting up Kane in a 2-0 win over Ukraine in March.
The Arsenal youth product then lit up Old Trafford with his first career hat-trick in a 7-0 thrashing of North Macedonia in June, becoming the first Gunners player to do so for England’s men’s team since Theo Walcott against Croatia in 2008.
All in all, Saka’s record for England now stands at 11 goals and seven assists from 28 appearances across all competitions, and the attacker – who turned 22 on Tuesday – has been rewarded for his endeavours with a second successive Men’s Player of the Year prize.
The attacker won the award over Declan Rice and Kane in the 2021-22 season, and the latter has also placed third this time around, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham in second.
“I’m really grateful, thank you to everyone that made this happen,” Saka told England’s media channels upon being presented with the trophy by Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison. “It’s a nice birthday gift as well so I’m happy.”
Saka remains the only Arsenal representative to have been named England’s Men’s Player of the Year since the award’s inception in 2003, while only Danny Welbeck (second in 2014) and Walcott (third in 2008) have previously made the top three.
In addition, the 22-year-old has become just the fourth man to scoop the award two years running, with Kane being the last English player to do so in 2017 and 2018.
Wayne Rooney achieved the feat on two occasions – taking home the accolade in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015 – prior to which Frank Lampard won the 2004 and 2005 prizes.
Saka and England are currently gearing up for Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier with Ukraine and their 150th Anniversary Heritage match versus Scotland on September 12, although the Arsenal protege did not train with the team on Tuesday.
Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson also remained inside the facilities, but the trio’s absences are only believed to have been precautionary.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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