Saka says England still bear World Cup ‘scar’ ahead of Spain Nations League opener

Bukayo Saka says England are still dealing with the pain of their dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina as they prepare to begin their new international campaign against Spain.

England face Spain at Wembley on Saturday, nine weeks after their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup final were ended by two late Argentina goals in Atlanta.

Saka, who scored a hat-trick in England’s 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off, admits the disappointment remains difficult to leave behind.

“Obviously, there’s still a scar in us,” Saka told the BBC.

“When you believed, and everyone was so united and so confident we could do it, not just us, but the whole country.”

England had held a 1-0 lead late in the semi-final before Lionel Messi’s Argentina scored twice to complete a comeback and reach the final.

Saka was an unused substitute that day as he continued to manage an Achilles problem during the tournament. England manager Thomas Tuchel introduced defensive options as his side attempted to protect their advantage, but the changes did not prevent Argentina from turning the match around.

The defeat led to further criticism of Tuchel’s tactics. However, the England manager said the experience had to be used as part of the team’s development when he announced his Nations League squad.

“We have had critical reviews that will stay, of course, behind closed doors,” said Tuchel.

“I am the biggest critic of myself, and reflection is sometimes necessary to get better, and experience is a crucial part of coaching.”

Saka says England must now focus on the Nations League and the challenges that await them rather than remain fixed on the events of the semi-final.

“You try to move on as soon as possible, but you know, a scar is a scar and decides to heal when it heals itself,” he said.

“But like I said, we’ve come here to a new international season, and we’ve got four massive, difficult group games to try to qualify us in the Nations League, which we’re fully focused on.”

The meeting with Spain is the first of four difficult group matches England must negotiate in their attempt to qualify in the Nations League.

Their attention will also turn to longer-term preparations for Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.