Concerns have been raised regarding the fitness of Bukayo Saka at the World Cup, with pundits questioning the Arsenal forward’s readiness for the tournament. Roy Keane suggested that Saka should not be part of the squad if he is not performing at his peak, while Gary Neville indicated that the England winger “doesn’t look right at all.”
Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue for several months, which affected his performance during the latter part of the domestic season. This ongoing problem has limited his participation in the World Cup, with the attacker starting only one match, playing 63 minutes in the 2-0 victory against Panama.
Keane commented on the “Stick to Football” podcast that Saka “doesn’t look sharp” and questioned if he is trusting his body. He added that if Saka is experiencing these issues and considering the broader context, he should be resting instead of being at the tournament. Keane further noted that if a player knows they are not at their sharpest, they might avoid taking on opponents and playing their natural game.
Apart from the Panama match, the 24-year-old has been restricted to substitute appearances. He played for 18 minutes in the opening win against Croatia and 25 minutes in the goalless draw with Ghana.
Pundits discuss Saka’s role and fitness
Both Neville and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believe that a role from the bench might be the only practical option for Saka as England progresses into the knockout stages. Neville expressed significant concern, stating, “He doesn’t look right at all. It’s a concern when you say your number one right-winger has to be rested and come on.”
Neville drew parallels to past tournaments where players like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were not fully fit, emphasising that fitness cannot be gained during a tournament. He concluded that Saka would likely need to be a substitute player, coming off the bench. Wright echoed these sentiments, expressing worry for Saka and questioning when he would get the rest he appears to need, especially with the domestic season resuming soon after the World Cup.
Neville also noted that Saka, who is usually vibrant and competitive, seems off, which is a concern. Wright also questioned whether Saka had been “rushed back” for the World Cup, observing that he is not starting the initial games and still does not resemble his usual self.
Keane also remarked that the wingers in the squad need to seize their opportunities, suggesting that they have not yet done so. He added that while teams might have some leeway in group games, at least one of the wingers needs to perform better now.
Right-back injury concerns and selection debate
Adding to England’s challenges, the right-back position has been affected by a series of injuries. After Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw, both Reece James and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who is primarily a central defender, have sustained knocks. James is not expected back until the quarter-finals as England manages his hamstring strain.
This situation has reignited discussions about Thomas Tuchel’s decision not to include Real Madrid’s specialist right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad. Neville criticised the selection strategy, questioning how the team reached a point where Quansah is playing right-back, especially when two injury-prone players, James and Livramento, were initially selected.
Neville further questioned why there was no place in the 26-player squad for Alexander-Arnold, even for matches against teams like Ghana or Panama. Keane succinctly described the decision as a “head scratcher.” Neville also fears that Tuchel might need to consider resting one of his key attacking players for the upcoming match against DR Congo.
England qualified for the knockout stages by securing seven points from three games, concluding their Group L campaign with a 2-0 win against Panama. Midfield player Declan Rice was rested from the match against Panama.
Saka’s form for England has reportedly mirrored his club performances over recent months, which included a subdued display in the Champions League final against PSG. Other wide options for Tuchel, such as Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon, have reportedly made limited impact so far in the tournament.
Wright noted that many players in the England squad are not performing at the required level, particularly the wingers, on whom the team relies heavily. England is set to face DR Congo in their next World Cup match.
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Source: independent.co.uk
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”