Saka Says England Still Carry Pain From World Cup Semi-Final Defeat
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
England winger Bukayo Saka says the national team has not completely moved past its painful World Cup semi-final defeat as the Three Lions prepare to begin their Nations League campaign.
England will face Spain at Wembley on September 26, just nine weeks after their dramatic loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
Saka Reflects on World Cup Defeat
Saka admitted that the disappointment of falling short at the World Cup remains with the England squad.
The Arsenal forward said the team had entered the tournament believing it could go all the way, while supporters across the country had shared the same expectations.
“There’s still a scar in us,” Saka said in an interview with the BBC.
He added that the players are now attempting to move forward and concentrate on the new international season, although he acknowledged that such disappointment takes time to fade.
England had hoped to end a long wait for a major men’s international trophy. The country’s last World Cup triumph came in 1966, when England lifted the trophy on home soil.
England Prepare for Spain Test
The opening Nations League fixture against Spain will provide England with an immediate test against the reigning world champions.
Saka said the squad is now concentrating on the upcoming group matches, with four difficult games standing between England and qualification for the next stage of the competition.
The winger also has personal experience of the challenges faced during the World Cup. He played through the tournament while managing an Achilles problem.
He was, however, left on the bench during the semi-final against Argentina as manager Thomas Tuchel made changes aimed at protecting England’s lead.
Tuchel Admits Need for Reflection
Tuchel has previously acknowledged that the World Cup defeat required careful analysis.
The England manager said criticism and internal reviews would remain part of the team’s assessment process, adding that self-reflection is important for improvement.
Tuchel also said that experience plays an important role in coaching and that lessons from the tournament would be considered as England move forward.
The German coach is now targeting success at Euro 2028, which will be hosted jointly by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
For Saka and his teammates, the Nations League campaign offers the first opportunity to begin a new chapter after the disappointment of the World Cup.
