England winger Bukayo Saka has revealed that the national squad is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of their painful World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad came desperately close to reaching their first men’s World Cup final since 1966, but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat after conceding two late goals.
Although a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal match secured the Three Lions their best tournament finish in six decades, the long wait for silverware continues.
Reflecting on the campaign, Saka explained that the collective belief and unity shared by both the team and the nation made the exit particularly difficult to accept.
The forward noted that while players try to move forward quickly, healing takes time, adding that the team is now turning its attention to upcoming fixtures.
England face an immediate reminder of what could have been when they host world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday evening for their opening Nations League fixture.
Saka emphasized that the group is fully focused on navigating four demanding group matches to secure qualification for the Nations League knockouts.
Meanwhile, the Arsenal winger backed 16-year-old club teammate Max Dowman to eventually break into the senior England squad, describing his ability as extraordinary.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley acknowledged Dowman’s exceptional potential but agreed that keeping the teenager with the under-19 setup for now remains the most sensible developmental choice. The report also notes that obviously, there is still a scar on us when you believed and everyone was so united and so confident we could do it,” Saka said. The report also notes that but you know a scar is a scar, it decides to heal when it heals itself, you try to move on as soon as possible. The report also notes that england get an immediate reminder of what might have been as they host world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday (19:45 BST) in the first of four Nations League matches over the next two weeks. The report also notes that not just us, but the whole country we felt. The report also notes that we are trying to draw a line under [the World Cup] now and focus on the new international season that we have coming up,” Saka added. The report also notes that meanwhile, Saka believes it is only a matter of time before his Arsenal team-mate Max Dowman, 16, earns a senior England call-up. The report also notes that i think so,” Saka said. “His talent is insane. The report also notes that it’s up to him how far he is going to go in football.
