Gary Neville fears Bukayo Saka's condition may force England manager Thomas Tuchel to drop the Arsenal winger for the upcoming World Cup knockout match against DR Congo. The Three Lions topped Group L with seven points after a routine 2-0 victory over Panama, but fitness issues are mounting ahead of tougher tests.
Fitness concerns mount for England
Midfielder Declan Rice was rested for the Panama game, while Reece James is not expected to return until the quarter-finals as England manage his hamstring strain. Saka, who started his first match of the tournament against Panama after substitute appearances against Croatia and Ghana, struggled to make an impact and was criticized by former Watford striker Troy Deeney as 'arrogant and ignorant'.
Saka's form has mirrored his recent club performances, including a subdued display in the Champions League final against PSG. Neville voiced his concerns, saying: 'Bukayo Saka doesn't look right at all. 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.'
Wright and Keane weigh in
Arsenal legend Ian Wright questioned whether Saka was rushed back for the World Cup, stating: '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.'
Wright also highlighted broader issues with England's wingers: 'I can't remember too many tournaments where you're feeling like you're on the edge... 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.'
Roy Keane added: 'The wingers need to grab their opportunity. These players [wingers] haven't quite grabbed their opportunity yet. 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.'
England's winger dilemma
Tuchel's other wide options, including Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon, have made limited impacts so far. With Saka's long-standing Achilles issue a concern, Neville believes he cannot be risked against DR Congo. The Three Lions will need their wingers to step up as they face tougher opposition in the knockout stages.
