England winger Bukayo Saka has admitted that the national squad is still dealing with the lingering emotional toll of their dramatic World Cup exit against Argentina. Under the leadership of manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions came within minutes of securing their first men's World Cup final appearance since 1966. However, a stunning pair of late goals from Argentina overturned the deficit and condemned England to a painful 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals.
Although the team bounced back by defeating France 6-4 in an extraordinary third-place playoff—securing the nation's highest World Cup finish in sixty years—the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy remained unfulfilled. Saka, who featured in three of England's eight matches during the tournament, explained that the collective heartbreak continues to affect the players and the supporters alike.
According to Saka, the entire nation shared in the belief and unity that surrounded the campaign, making the conclusion especially difficult to accept. He noted that while players naturally attempt to put such disappointments behind them quickly, the emotional mark left by the defeat takes time to heal completely.
The squad now faces a swift return to competitive action as they prepare to host reigning world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium. The fixture marks the beginning of a demanding fortnight featuring four UEFA Nations League group matches. Saka emphasized that the team is eager to close the chapter on the tournament and redirect their full attention toward securing qualification for the knockout stages.
Amid preparations for the upcoming fixtures, discussion has also turned to the future of young talent within the English setup. Saka highlighted the exceptional potential of his young Arsenal club-mate, Max Dowman, expressing confidence that the sixteen-year-old will soon make the step up to the senior international squad.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley echoed those sentiments regarding the teenager's remarkable abilities, though he suggested a more measured approach for the current international window. Carsley noted that keeping the youngster with the under-19 setup would allow him to secure valuable playing time while alleviating external pressure. Nevertheless, the under-21 boss confirmed that discussions regarding the player's international pathway and eventual progression through the age groups will take place in the near future.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
