Saka Admits England Still Bear the ‘Scar’ of World Cup Exit

Bukayo Saka says England are still carrying the emotional “scar” of their painful World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel’s side came within one match of reaching England’s first men’s World Cup final since 1966, but their hopes were ended by two late Argentina goals in a dramatic 2-1 defeat.

England responded by beating France 6-4 in the third-place play-off, securing their best World Cup finish in 60 years. However, the wait for another major international trophy continues.

Saka admitted that the disappointment has not completely disappeared.

“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.

“Not just us, but the whole country we felt.

“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.”

England will quickly be reminded of the opportunity they missed when they face World Cup holders Spain at Wembley on Saturday at 19:45 BST.

The match is the first of four Nations League fixtures England will play over the next two weeks.

Saka believes the team now needs to put the World Cup behind them and concentrate on the challenges ahead.

“We are trying to draw a line under [the World Cup] now and focus on the new international season that we have coming up,” he added.

“We have got four massive, difficult group games to try and qualify us for the Nations League [knockouts] that we are really focused on.”

Saka backs Dowman for England future

Saka also believes it may only be a matter of time before his Arsenal team-mate Max Dowman receives a senior England call-up.

The 16-year-old has attracted significant attention after breaking into Arsenal’s first-team setup and impressing at the highest level.

Asked whether he expected Dowman to eventually receive an England senior call-up, Saka replied: “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.”

However, England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley believes Dowman remaining with the Under-19s during the current international window is the right decision for his development.

Carsley acknowledged the youngster’s ability but said playing regular minutes and reducing some of the pressure surrounding him could be valuable.

“He is more than capable of playing in the under-21s,” Carsley said.

“What I do think will happen with the age group he goes to is that he can play the minutes.

“He can also have that time to consolidate where he is in his career and play with his friends again and take that little bit of pressure off him.”

Carsley also made clear that he expects Dowman’s progression through the England age groups to continue.

“I have no doubt that Max is going to be with the under-21s,” he said.

“That is something I am keen to have a conversation with him and his parents, on the way we see his pathway going, because he is an amazing talent and someone we are very lucky to have.”