Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been dealing with fitness issues since the end of last season and has made just one start for England so far at the World Cup
Gary Neville has voiced his concerns regarding Bukayo Saka’s performances for England at this summer’s World Cup. The Arsenal star has been dealing with fitness concerns ever since the closing stages of last season, with his game time also carefully monitored since joining up with the Three Lions squad at the beginning of the month.
An Achilles problem was being tracked by Arsenal throughout the final weeks of the campaign, with the 24-year-old restricted to a place amongst the substitutes for England’s opening World Cup fixtures against Croatia and Ghana.
Saturday evening saw Saka included in the starting XI by Thomas Tuchel for the Three Lions’ 2-0 triumph over Panama.
The forward was withdrawn in the 63rd minute, moments after Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock.
Neville has outlined what troubled him about Saka’s performance against Panama, with co-host and Arsenal legend Ian Wright questioning whether the Gunners star has been reintroduced to action too soon.
“Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,” Neville said on the latest episode of the Stick to Football from The Overlap.
“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 elaborated on worries surrounding Saka’s fitness at the World Cup for England. He said: “Has Bukayo Saka been rushed back? We’re going into a World Cup, and still not starting the first few games.
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“Only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know – this guy needs a break.”
Tuchel has already been compelled to deal with several injury setbacks at the World Cup, with Tino Livramento withdrawn from the squad before the tournament got underway.
Reece James is also unavailable with a hamstring problem that ruled the right-back out of the triumph over Panama at the weekend.
England secured top spot in Group L and will now meet DR Congo in their round of 32 fixture on Tuesday evening in Atlanta, where victory would arrange a last-16 clash against either Mexico or Ecuador, which would take place in Mexico City on Sunday night.
Canada became the first nation to confirm their place in the last-16 following a dramatic late winner against South Africa in their round of 32 encounter on Sunday evening.
