Concerns mount over Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of World Cup knockout clash
Gary Neville has raised serious concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of England’s World Cup knockout clash with DR Congo, claiming the Arsenal winger “doesn’t look right at all”, reports BritPanorama.
Saka has featured in all three of England’s group-stage matches, coming off the bench against Croatia and Ghana before starting Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Panama. However, the 24-year-old has been managing a persistent Achilles issue, having played through discomfort during Arsenal’s run-in at the end of last season.
Thomas Tuchel admitted earlier this month that Saka had been unable to train on consecutive days, with the FA carefully monitoring his workload throughout the tournament. Now, Neville fears the winger is still some way short of his usual sharpness as England prepare for the business end of the World Cup.
Speaking on Stick to Football, the former England defender said: “Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all. He’s usually the boy that’s bubbling and smiling, he’s got that competitive edge to him, but he’s not right and that’s a concern to us I think.” Neville’s worries were echoed by Ian Wright, who questioned whether Saka had been brought back too quickly for the tournament.
Wright remarked, “We’re going into a World Cup, and still not starting the first few games, only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know – this guy needs a break.” Saka had admitted before the tournament that he was prepared to take a risk with his body to help England, having done the same for Arsenal. His minutes were managed in the closing weeks of the club season, with the winger completing a full match only once since mid-March.
Saka stated, “As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest.” England’s wide players have faced scrutiny throughout the tournament, with Tuchel starting Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke in the opening win over Croatia and the goalless draw with Ghana before turning to Marcus Rashford and Saka against Panama.
Yet England struggled to create clear chances from open play before Jude Bellingham eventually broke the deadlock from a corner. Wright believes the lack of impact from the flanks has become one of England’s biggest problems heading into the knockout rounds. “I can’t remember too many tournaments where you’re feeling like you’re on the edge, I feel like that’s normal,” he noted, adding that many squad members are not up to speed.
Roy Keane also warned that England can no longer afford passengers now that the group stage is over. “The wingers need to grab their opportunity,” he asserted. England will face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, knowing victory would set up a last-16 tie against either Mexico or Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
As England steps into the knockout phase, the spotlight falls heavily on its forward line. In an era where margins are thin and pressure mounts, how these players rise to the occasion could define their World Cup journey.
