Concerns have been voiced regarding the fitness of Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka at the World Cup, with pundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville questioning his readiness for the tournament. Keane suggested that Saka should not be part of the squad if he is not performing at full capacity, while Neville indicated that the England winger “doesn’t look right at all.”
Saka has been managing an Achilles problem for several months, an issue that affected his performance during the latter part of the domestic season. This ongoing concern has limited his participation in the World Cup to date, with the attacker starting only one match, playing 63 minutes in the 2-0 victory against Panama.
Keane commented on Saka’s condition, stating, “He doesn’t look sharp. Physically is he trusting his body? If he’s having all these issues and you’re looking at the bigger picture then he shouldn’t be here, should he?” He added that if a player knows they are not at their sharpest, they might avoid taking on opponents and playing their usual game. Saka, who is 24 years old, has otherwise been limited to substitute appearances, featuring for 18 minutes in the opening win against Croatia and 25 minutes in the draw with Ghana.
Both Neville and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believe that a role from the bench is the most suitable option for Saka as England progresses into the knockout stages. Neville expressed his concern, saying, “He doesn’t look right at all. It’s a concern when you say your number one right-winger has to be rested and come on.” He drew comparisons to past tournaments where players like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were not fully fit, emphasising that fitness cannot be gained during a tournament.
Wright echoed these sentiments, noting, “Maybe at the moment that might be a role for him. I’m worried for him. He’s trying to play through this World Cup, but then the season starts again so when is this guy going to get the rest he, for me, looks like he needs.” Neville also highlighted that Saka, who is typically energetic and competitive, appears subdued, which is a concern.
Saka’s performances for England have reportedly mirrored his club form over recent months, which included a subdued display in the Champions League final against PSG. Neville fears that Saka’s condition means he cannot be risked against England’s next opponents, given his long-standing Achilles issue. Wright questioned whether Saka had been “rushed back” for the World Cup, observing that he is not starting the initial games and does not resemble his usual self.
Adding to England’s challenges, the right-back position has been affected by a series of injuries. After Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw, both Reece James and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who is primarily a central defender, have sustained knocks. This situation has reignited discussions about Thomas Tuchel’s decision not to include Real Madrid’s specialist right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad.
Neville criticised the selection strategy, stating, “I thought to myself, how have we got to a situation – and it can’t be what Thomas Tuchel planned – where he picked two players who are injury prone (Reece James and Tino Livramento), they have not been robust.” He questioned how England could be in a situation where Jarell Quansah is playing right-back and how a place could not be found for Alexander-Arnold in the 26-man squad, even for matches against Ghana or Panama. Keane described the decision as a “head scratcher.”
Squad fitness concerns
Beyond Saka’s situation, fitness concerns extend to other key players within the England squad. Midfield player Declan Rice was rested from Saturday night’s game against Panama, while Reece James is not expected to return until the quarter-finals as England manages his hamstring strain. Wright noted that he cannot recall many tournaments where there is such a feeling of being on the edge, and that many players in the squad are not performing at the required level.
The performance of England’s wingers has also been a point of discussion. Wright commented that the team relies heavily on its wingers, who are currently not performing well enough. Keane added that the wingers need to seize their opportunities, suggesting that they have not yet done so in the group games. England qualified for the knockout stages by collecting seven points from three games, concluding their Group L campaign with a 2-0 win against Panama.
Neville fears that Tuchel may need to consider resting one of his key attacking players for England’s upcoming match against DR Congo.
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Source: independent.co.uk
