Saka says England still carry pain from World Cup semi-final defeat

Bukayo Saka says England’s players still feel the impact of their agonising World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina. England are due to begin their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26, nine weeks after conceding two late goals in the semi-final loss in Atlanta. Saka said the disappointment remained significant because the squad and supporters had believed England could win a first major men’s international title since 1966.

“Obviously, there’s still a scar in us,” Saka told the BBC, according to Channels Television. He said the team was attempting to draw a line under the result and concentrate on the new international season. Saka scored a hat-trick as England beat France 6-4 to finish third at the tournament.

He had been managing an Achilles injury and stayed on the bench during the semi-final, when manager Thomas Tuchel used defensive substitutes while England attempted to protect a 1-0 lead. Tuchel’s tactics drew strong criticism after Argentina turned the match around late. When announcing his Nations League squad, he said critical reviews would remain behind closed doors and described himself as his own biggest critic.

England will have four group matches to qualify in the Nations League, Saka said. Tuchel is also looking ahead to Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.