Saka says England carrying 'scar' from World Cup semi loss to Argentina
England winger reflects on heartbreaking defeat as team prepares for Nations League matches against Spain.
What to know
- Saka said England is still emotionally affected by the World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina on late goals, describing it as a lingering 'scar.'
- The team achieved their best World Cup result in 60 years with a bronze medal (6-4 win over France) but missed their chance at a first final since 1966.
- England is now focused on the Nations League, with four group matches starting Saturday against Spain at Wembley to qualify for the knockouts.
- Lee Carsley is managing young talent Max Dowman's England pathway, keeping him with the under-19s this window despite early senior potential.
“We have got four massive, difficult group games to try and qualify us for the Nations League [knockouts] that we are really focused on.”
Bukayo Saka, England winger · BBC Sport ↗
Bukayo Saka England winger
Thomas Tuchel England managerLee Carsley England Under-21 managerMax Dowman 16-year-old Arsenal player
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Lee Carsley backs Max Dowman's England pathway but keeps him with under-19s
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley praised 16-year-old Arsenal player Max Dowman's talent but decided he should remain with the under-19s during the current international window rather than step up, to allow him to consolidate his development and manage pressure.
“He can also have that time to consolidate where he is in his career and play with his friends again and take that little bit of pressure off him. That is something I am keen to have a conversation with him and his parents, on the way we see his pathway going, because he is an amazing talent and someone we are very lucky to have.”
— Lee Carsley -
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England prepare for Nations League matches after World Cup exit — Despite the World Cup disappointment, England is moving forward with four Nations League group matches in the coming two weeks, starting with a match against world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Saka emphasized the team's focus on qualifying for the Nations League knockouts.
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Saka reflects on World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina — England winger Bukayo Saka spoke about the emotional impact of the team's World Cup semi-final defeat. Under Thomas Tuchel, England reached the semi-final for the first time since 1966 but were stunned by two late Argentina goals in a 2-1 loss. Saka, who was managing an Achilles injury and was left on the bench during the match, said the squad is still carrying the emotional weight of the loss.
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