Saka Reflects on England's World Cup Heartbreak Ahead of Nations League

Bukayo Saka, the England winger, stated that the national team is still affected by the emotional "scar" from their 2026 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, where they lost 2-1 despite being close to reaching the final. This loss came after two late goals from Argentina, which denied England their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.

Although England secured third place with a 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal match, the disappointment of missing the ultimate prize remains. Ahead of their Nations League opener against world champions Spain at Wembley, Saka expressed the team's desire to move on from the World Cup exit and focus on qualifying for the Nations League knockouts.

He also praised his Arsenal teammate, 16-year-old Max Dowman, suggesting he could soon receive a senior international call-up. England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley supported Saka's view on Dowman's talent but indicated that keeping him with the Under-19 squad for now is the best developmental choice.