It has been a frustrating World Cup so far for Bukayo Saka, who has only started one of England’s three games having struggled with injuries in recent months.
The Arsenal winger came off the bench to register an assist in the 4-2 win over Croatia, but he could not make a similar impact in the goalless draw with Ghana.
He started against Panama and delivered the corner for Jude Bellingham’s opening goal, but Saka has yet to truly catch fire at the tournament.
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Neville and Wright express concern over Saka form
Saka has been a key player for England at recent major tournaments, but he admitted before the World Cup that he was “gambling” with his fitness.
And former England right-back Gary Neville has suggested the 24-year-old is still struggling.
“Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,” Neville said on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast. “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.”
His sentiments were echoed by ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who claimed Saka needs a longer rest.
“Has Bukayo Saka been rushed back?” Wright said. “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.”
Noni Madueke has started on the right flank in two of England’s three matches so far, while Anthony Gordon was replaced on the left by Marcus Rashford after the Ghana draw.
And Wright highlighted that area of the pitch as a problem for Thomas Tuchel.
“I can’t remember too many tournaments where you’re feeling like you’re on the edge, I feel like that’s normal,” Wright said. “But there are a lot of people [in the England squad] who are not up to speed. Our wingers, and the way we depend on the wingers, are not doing well enough.”
Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane also gave his verdict on England’s wide players.
“These players [wingers] haven’t quite grabbed their opportunity yet,” he said. “In the group games, you can maybe slip up in one of them, but now at least one of them has to start turning up.”
