EALING Council leader, Peter Mason, has announced that he is nominating Bukayo Saka for the Freedom of the Borough.

The young England and Arsenal grew up in Ealing Borough and went to school at Greenford High.

Although only 19 years old, he had a very impressive Euro 2020 tournament, which unfortunately ended in disappointment after he missed the final penalty in the final against Italy.

Following Sunday's match, Saka, along with fellow England stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, received racist abuse online by so-called England 'fans'.

However, the vast majority of the population have rallied behind the three of them and have showered them with love and support.

The whole of Ealing stands with Saka and Peter Mason has made that very clear with his nomination.

He said: "Just a few short years ago, Bukayo Saka was playing football on the Brentside Playing Fields and on the pitches at Greenford High.

"Everyone in Ealing shares an incredible sense of pride that one of our own represented England at Wembley on Sunday.

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"His is a remarkable story of talent and achievement that everyone can take hope, inspiration and encouragement from.

"Neither he nor any of the England squad should be subjected to the intolerant, racist abuse as they have been in the last 48 hours.

"We don't boo our heroes.

"We honour them.

"I'm delighted therefore to nominate him to be the youngest ever recipient of the Freedom of the Borough.

"I hope this will send a clear message that Saka is Ealing's own, that we are proud of him, and that is one of our heroes.

"The entire England team has been an inspiration, both on and off the pitch, and shown our country how to pull together, not apart, even under the most unimaginable pressure.

"Saka and his teammates have embodied Ealing's motto: 'Progress with Unity'.

"We thank all the squad and the team around them and look forward to seeing them in action in the run-up to the World Cup next year."