Saka: England Still Carrying World Cup Scars

​ABEOKUTA — Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has revealed that the England national team is still grappling with the emotional aftermath of their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit. Speaking ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming UEFA Nations League opener against defending champions Spain at Wembley, Saka admitted that the team continues to carry the scars of that narrow defeat.

​England’s World Cup campaign under manager Thomas Tuchel came to a painful halt when two late goals from Argentina condemned them to a 2-1 loss, dashing hopes of securing their first global title since 1966. Although the team bounced back to defeat France 6-4 in the third-place playoff—securing their best finish in six decades—the disappointment of missing out on the ultimate prize lingers.

​”Obviously, there is still a scar on us when you believed and everyone was so united and so confident we could do it,” Saka shared. “Not just us, but the whole country felt [it]. 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 will be forced to confront those memories immediately as they host Spain this Saturday. However, Saka emphasized that the focus has officially shifted toward the new international campaign and navigating a demanding group stage to reach the Nations League knockouts.

​Rising Star Draw Praise

​Aside from international duties, Saka also turned his attention to club football, heaping high praise on young Arsenal teammate Max Dowman. The 16-year-old prodigy has drawn widespread attention for his exceptional technical abilities, prompting discussions about a potential senior call-up.

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​”His talent is insane. It’s up to him how far he is going to go in football. His talent is crazy,” Saka remarked.

​England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley acknowledged Dowman’s remarkable ceiling but suggested a measured approach to the youngster’s development. Carsley noted that keeping Dowman within the Under-19 setup for the current international window allows him valuable playing minutes while shielding him from excessive early pressure.