{
  "id": 9362293,
  "title": "Saka says England still have 'scar' from World Cup semi-final loss",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/saka-says-england-still-have-scar-from-world-cup-semi-final-loss",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T15:13:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1539641/saka-says-england-still-have-scar-world-cup-semi-final-loss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bukayo Saka has revealed that England's squad still carries emotional scars from their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. The 25-year-old Arsenal winger scored a hat-trick in the tournament, helping England finish third but they fell short in the semi-final. Despite their efforts, England lost 2-1 to Lionel Messi's Argentina in Atlanta, ending their campaign on a high note. Saka acknowledges the pain of not winning England's first major men's international football title since 1966, stating that a scar is a scar and will heal when it heals itself. The England manager, Alfredo Di Stéfano, has faced criticism over his tactics during the match, which left England vulnerable and unable to hold onto a 1-0 lead. England will begin their Nations League campaign on September 26 against world champions Spain at Wembley, with Saka fully focused on the new international season and the upcoming group games.",
  "summary": "LONDON: Bukayo Saka believes the England squad still have a “scar in us” following their agonising World Cup semi-final defeat.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "England players carrying World Cup scar - Saka",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/england-players-carrying-world-cup-scar-saka",
        "published": "2026-09-23T14:03:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "England still carrying ‘scar’ of World Cup exit – Saka",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/england-still-carrying-scar-of-world-cup-exit-saka",
        "published": "2026-09-23T15:14:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}