Saka says England still carry World Cup 'scar' ahead of Spain clash
September 23, 2026 16:51
England winger Bukayo Saka has said the squad are still carrying the "scar" from their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, when two late goals left them 2-1 behind. Saka started three of England's eight games at the tournament.
Saka acknowledged the team have tried to move on but that the experience will take time to heal. "Obviously, there is still a scar on us when you believed and everyone was so united and so confident we could do it," he said. "You try to move on as soon as possible, but you know a scar is a scar, it decides to heal when it heals itself."
The squad finished the tournament with a 6-4 win over France in the bronze medal match, described in the source as England's best World Cup finish in six decades.
WHAT'S NEXT
England host world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday (19:45 BST) in the first of four Nations League matches in the coming fortnight. Saka said the team are "trying to draw a line under [the World Cup] now and focus on the new international season" and stressed the importance of the upcoming group fixtures as they try to qualify for the Nations League knockouts.
YOUNG TALENT: MAX DOWMAN
Saka also spoke about 16-year-old Arsenal team-mate Max Dowman, saying: "I think so. His talent is insane. It's up to him how far he is going to go in football. His talent is crazy." Saka expressed the view that a senior England call-up for Dowman is a matter of time.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley agreed Dowman is an "amazing talent" but said the teenager remaining with the under-19s in this international window is the best option so he can "play the minutes" and consolidate his development. Carsley added he wants to discuss the player's pathway with Dowman and his parents.