Questions over Bukayo Saka’s fitness have intensified ahead of England’s first knockout match at the World Cup, with former internationals warning that the Arsenal winger does not appear to be operating at his usual level.
Despite featuring in all three of England’s group-stage fixtures, Saka has looked short of his explosive best, prompting fears that an ongoing Achilles issue could be limiting his impact at the tournament.
Gary Neville Raises Alarm Over England Star
Former England defender Gary Neville admitted he is increasingly concerned by what he has seen from Saka during the opening phase of the competition.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville said the winger’s usual energy and enthusiasm appear to be missing, describing his body language as noticeably different from the confident player supporters have become accustomed to watching.
According to Neville, Saka simply “doesn’t look right,” adding that his condition is becoming a genuine concern for England as the competition enters its decisive stage.
Injury Has Been Carefully Managed
Saka travelled to the World Cup while still dealing with a persistent Achilles problem that affected him during Arsenal’s run-in at the end of last season.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had previously revealed that the 24-year-old was unable to train on consecutive days because of the issue, with the Football Association carefully managing his workload throughout the tournament.
Even so, Saka has appeared in every group match. He came off the bench against Croatia and Ghana before making his first start in England’s 2-0 victory over Panama, where he played just over an hour.
Ian Wright Questions Timing of His Return
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright echoed Neville’s concerns and suggested England may have brought Saka back into action before he had fully recovered.
Wright noted that Saka was not selected to start the opening matches despite being one of England’s most influential attacking players, arguing that the winger still looks far from his usual standards.
He suggested the demanding schedule may simply be too much for a player who has rarely enjoyed an extended period of rest in recent seasons.
Saka Accepted the Risk Before the Tournament
Ahead of the World Cup, Saka acknowledged he was prepared to take a chance on his fitness despite not feeling completely sharp.
The winger explained that professional footballers often have to decide whether to sit out matches or continue playing while carrying injuries, knowing performances will still be judged in exactly the same way.
He admitted he was willing to accept that risk, insisting he preferred contributing on the pitch rather than stepping aside, even if he was below full fitness.
Arsenal Also Managed His Minutes
The concerns surrounding Saka are not new.
During the closing months of Arsenal’s campaign, his appearances were carefully controlled as he battled the same Achilles complaint.
Since the middle of March, he completed a full 90 minutes only once, with the club frequently limiting his game time in an effort to avoid aggravating the injury before the summer tournament.
England Searching for Greater Threat Out Wide
England’s performances in the group stage have also sparked debate over the effectiveness of the team’s wide players.
Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke started the opening matches against Croatia and Ghana, while Marcus Rashford and Saka were introduced from the bench before both earning starting roles against Panama.
Although England eventually secured a comfortable victory, much of their attacking play lacked creativity until Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock from a corner.
Keane and Wright Call for Wingers to Deliver
Roy Keane believes England’s wide players must begin making a greater impact now that the margin for error has disappeared.
The former Manchester United captain argued that group-stage matches offer some room for inconsistency, but knockout football demands decisive contributions from attacking players.
Wright agreed, saying England’s reliance on its wingers means they need to produce far more if the team hopes to challenge for the World Cup.
He added that several members of the squad still appear to be playing below their highest level as the tournament reaches its most important phase.
Knockout Challenge Awaits
England’s attention now turns to Wednesday’s last-32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta.
Victory would send Tuchel’s side into the round of 16, where they would face either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
As England prepare for the business end of the tournament, much attention will remain focused on whether Saka can regain full fitness and rediscover the form that has made him one of the team’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
