England winger Bukayo Saka has acknowledged that the national team is still reeling from their 2026 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The Three Lions came agonizingly close to reaching their first men’s World Cup final since 1966, only to be edged out by two late goals from Argentina. Despite securing third place with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France, the pain of missing out on the ultimate prize lingers.
Saka reflected candidly on the aftermath of their World Cup exit, revealing that the team is still carrying the emotional “scar” of their heartbreaking defeat. “Obviously, there is still a scar on us when you believed and everyone was so united and so confident we could do it. Not just us, but the whole country, we felt,” Saka said. He likened the scar to a physical wound, noting that it will take time to heal.
The Arsenal winger emphasized that the squad is pivoting its focus to the immediate challenge of securing top spot in their Nations League group. Saka said, “We are trying to draw a line under [the World Cup now and focus on the new international season that we have coming up. We have got four massive, difficult group games to try and qualify us for the Nations League [knockouts] that we are really focused on.”
England’s first Nations League fixture is against world champions Spain at Wembley. Saka’s comments come as the team prepares to launch a new campaign. The team’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, will be looking to build on their World Cup performance and secure a strong start in the Nations League.
Saka also highlighted the meteoric rise of his 16-year-old Arsenal teammate Max Dowman, tipping the midfielder for a senior international call-up in the near future. “I think so,” Saka said when asked about Dowman’s international prospects. “His talent is insane. It’s up to him how far he is going to go in football. His talent is crazy.”
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley echoed Saka’s sentiments regarding Dowman’s ability, but explained that keeping the teenager with the Under-19 squad for the current international window remains the right developmental choice. Carsley noted that Dowman can play with his friends again and take some pressure off himself. “I have no doubt that Max is going to be with the under-21s,” Carsley added.
The England team faces a challenging Nations League campaign, but Saka is optimistic about their chances. With a talented young squad and a renewed focus, the team will look to make a strong impression in the competition. The Nations League offers a chance for England to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment and build momentum ahead of future tournaments.
Key points
- England winger Bukayo Saka admits the national team is still carrying the emotional “scar” of their heartbreaking 2026 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
