Saka’s fitness concerns
Concerns are growing over Bukayo Saka’s fitness during the World Cup, with pundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville questioning the Arsenal forward’s readiness for the tournament. Keane suggested that Saka should not be part of the squad if he is not performing at 100 per cent, while Neville stated that the England winger “doesn’t look right at all.” Saka has been dealing with an Achilles problem for several months, an issue that affected him during the latter part of the domestic season.
This ongoing concern has limited his participation in the World Cup to date. He has started only one match, playing 63 minutes in the 2-0 victory over Panama. Keane commented on the situation, saying, “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?” Keane added that if a player knows they are not at their sharpest, they might stop taking on opponents and playing their natural game.
Aside from his single start, Saka has been restricted to substitute appearances. He featured for 18 minutes in the opening win against Croatia and for 25 minutes in the goalless draw with Ghana. Both Neville and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believe that a role from the bench is the most viable option for Saka as England progresses into the knockout stages.
Neville expressed his concern, stating, “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 parallels to past tournaments where players like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were not fully fit, emphasizing that fitness cannot be gained during a tournament. Wright echoed these sentiments, questioning when Saka will get the rest he appears to need, especially with the club season resuming after the World Cup.
Right-back selection debate
Adding to England’s challenges, a series of injuries has affected the right-back position. After Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad, both Reece James and his replacement, Jarell Quansah, who is primarily a central defender, have sustained knocks. This situation has reignited discussions regarding Thomas Tuchel’s decision not to include Real Madrid’s specialist right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad.
Neville criticised the selection strategy, remarking, “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 there was no place for Alexander-Arnold in the squad, even against opponents like Ghana or Panama. Keane described the decision as a “head scratcher.”
Neville also noted that Saka, who is usually vibrant and competitive, does not seem to be himself, which is a concern. Wright also questioned if Saka had been “rushed back” for the World Cup.
Declan Rice was rested from Saturday night’s game against Panama, and Reece James is not expected back until the quarter-finals as England manages his hamstring strain.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”