Saka says England still carry scar of Argentina World Cup defeat

Bukayo Saka, the England winger, revealed the team still bears the emotional scar from their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Thomas Tuchel's team had been on the brink of becoming the first England side to reach a men's World Cup final since 1966, but suffered a 2-1 loss due to late goals from Argentina. Despite this setback, England achieved their best World Cup finish in six decades with a 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal match.

Saka emphasized that the entire country shared this sense of disappointment and resilience. While the team strives to move on as quickly as possible, acknowledging that a scar takes its own time to heal, the players recognize the importance of learning from the experience. England faces Spain at Wembley on Saturday in the first of four Nations League matches in the coming weeks.

Saka stressed the need to put the World Cup behind them and focus on the new international season, with a strong emphasis on the upcoming group games to qualify for the knockouts.

The young prodigy, Max Dowman, who plays for Arsenal, is also on the radar of the England selectors. Saka believes that the 16-year-old has immense talent and is likely to earn a senior England call-up in due course. England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley echoed Saka's sentiments, stating that Dowman's abilities are indeed remarkable, but suggested that he remains with the under-19s for the current international window.

Carsley believes this arrangement allows Dowman to play more minutes, consolidate his career, and take the pressure off him, while still providing him the opportunity to represent England at a higher level.