SUMMER 2021, Bukayo Saka, 19, and Marcus Rashford, 23, both missed penalties in the final of the European Championships. The immediate aftermath saw a hellacious barrage of racist abuse hurled towards the two online, writes Lyle-Anthony Golding

Fast forward 15 months, the two starred in England’s first game of the 2022 World Cup against Iran. Saka scored twice and Rashford added a fifth just seconds after coming on.

Rashford then delivered another two goals as Wales were well beaten. England now face Senegal to claim a place in the tournament’s quarter finals.

The two went through contrasting seasons off the back of Euro 2020, but both find themselves once again with the hopes of a nation on their shoulders and those of their teammates.

Saka was already in the spotlight during the build up to Euro 2020. The young lion was touted by many as Arsenal’s best academy product in years. He hit 17 goal contributions in the 2020/21 season, firing him into Gareth Southgate’s final Euro squad. He played fairly well in the tournament, starting three of England’s games as they went on to painfully lose the final on penalties to Italy.

After the disappointment of the Euros, Saka bounced back well with an exceptional 2021/22 season for Arsenal. Not only did his output increase but his all-round game improved.

This saw him garner massive backing for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, eventually losing out to Phil Foden.

A model of consistency for Arsenal, Saka’s 2021 form has carried superbly into this season. The Gunners have been flying in the Premier League and sit comfortably at the summit.

Saka has been at the forefront, already halfway to matching his 19 goals and assists of last season. It came as no surprise when he was called up to Southgate’s World Cup squad and even less of a surprise that he’s made an impact.

Saka sparkled in the Three Lions’ victory over Iran, looking a threat every time he got on the ball, and deservedly grabbing two goals and the man of the match award. Having begun the tournament in goalscoring form, expect Bukayo to challenge for the Golden Boot in Qatar.

Going into the European Championships, Rashford was on top of the world. He enjoyed his best ever season in 2020, hitting the 20 goal mark for the first time and adding 15 assists as well.

Unplayable in all competitions, his six Champions League goals saw him rank joint-third in the scoring charts, despite United crashing out in the group stage. Despite his club form, he wasn’t first choice at the Euros and then had a quiet tournament – no goals or assists in five substitute appearances.

Unlike Saka, Rashford faced a much tougher 2021/22. He had a torrid time in a Manchester United team that failed to live up to expectations. He registered his worst ever goal contribution output (7 goals & assists), and struggled to find form in a side built largely around the returning Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rashford, speaking after a 1-0 victory over West Ham this season, admitted to being off the pace last season and attributed the difference in his performances to mental struggles.

He said: “I was struggling at times with more mental things. It wasn’t really my own performance but other things off the pitch. That’s the biggest difference from last season.”

His resurgence this season has been well documented. He started 2022 with aplomb, registering 11 goals & assists in 19 games so far and notching a player of the month award along the way. His omission from Southgate’s UEFA Nations League squad in September raised questions about his place at the World Cup. However, the Mancunian put all doubts to rest and let his play do the talking.

Against Iran, Rashford entered the fray on 79 minutes. Three touches and 49 seconds later, he was on the scoresheet, coolly sliding home and putting England 5-1 up.

Rampant England are now one of the tournament favourites and the nation dreams once again of taking football “home”.

Opting against five at the back allowed England to get an extra attacker on the pitch and saw them flourish. In the Iran game, England were fluid, frightening and firing, with three attackers just behind captain Harry Kane who pulled the strings. The same could be said of their professional display against the outclassed Welsh.

Whether Southgate reverts to the formation that got him to the Euro final or sticks with the back four, Saka and Rashford will certainly have their say. The dynamic duo could both be dark horses for the Golden Ball while the latter will hope to continue his hot streak.

In stark contrast to the way their last major tournament ended, Rashford and Saka have started as they mean to go on.

The pair’s resilience cannot be understated, and their turnaround, in the face of adversity and discrimination is a testament to this.

The two Lions are exceptional footballers but also exceptional human beings beyond that.

What a difference a year makes.