Saka: England still scarred by World Cup exit — SkimNews
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- Bukayo Saka said the England squad still carries a 'scar' from their 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, citing the emotional weight of falling short despite national unity and belief
- England hosts world champions Spain at Wembley in a Nations League match on Saturday (19:45 BST), marking their first of four crucial group games aimed at qualifying for the knockout stage
- Saka believes Arsenal teenager Max Dowman, 16, has 'insane' talent and will eventually earn a senior England call-up, praising his potential and skill level
- Lee Carsley, England Under-21 manager, confirmed Max Dowman's 'amazing talent' but supports keeping him with the under-19s for now to manage development pressure and ensure consistent playing time
- England achieved their best World Cup finish in six decades by beating France 6-4 in the bronze medal match, though the title drought continues after the semi-final heartbreak
Why it matters: The emotional residue from the World Cup loss shapes England’s current mindset as they face Spain, a direct reminder of what was lost. With young talents like Dowman emerging, the team is balancing immediate competitive pressure with long-term player development, affecting squad planning and generational transition.
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