Bukayo Saka says England’s players have yet to completely shake off the disappointment of their 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare to begin a new UEFA Nations League campaign.
Saka made the comments on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, ahead of England’s meeting with reigning world champions Spain at Wembley. The Arsenal winger acknowledged that the emotional impact of the dramatic defeat remains with the squad, even though England recovered by beating France 6-4 to claim the World Cup bronze medal.
England had been within reach of a first men’s World Cup final since 1966 before Argentina scored twice late in the semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Saka described the lingering feeling within the England camp as a “scar”, pointing to the belief and unity that surrounded the team during their run in the tournament.
The defeat came after England had taken a 1-0 lead, only for Argentina to turn the match around with two late goals. The result ended England’s hopes of competing for the World Cup title despite an otherwise deep run.
Saka’s comments underline the contrast between England’s eventual third-place finish and the disappointment of missing out on the final.
The Arsenal forward also indicated that the squad understands the need to move forward rather than remain focused on what happened in Atlanta.
England’s World Cup campaign included victories over:
- Panama in the group stage
- Mexico in the round of 16
- Norway in the quarter-finals
- France in the bronze-medal match
UEFA records show that England eventually finished third after defeating France 6-4, their best men’s World Cup finish since 1966.
Saka’s reflection carries additional context because his role changed as England progressed through the knockout rounds.
The 25-year-old Arsenal winger started three of England’s eight matches at the tournament. He also dealt with an Achilles problem during the competition and was an unused substitute in the semi-final against Argentina.
He returned to the starting lineup for the bronze-medal match against France and produced a decisive individual contribution.
Saka scored a hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 in a remarkable third-place playoff. His goals helped England recover from the disappointment of the semi-final and secure their highest World Cup finish in 60 years.
England’s 2026 campaign therefore ended with two very different outcomes.
The semi-final loss prevented the team from reaching the World Cup final, while the victory over France ensured England left the tournament with a medal.
That combination has shaped the mood around the team as the players return to international duty.
Saka’s remarks suggest that the squad remembers both sides of the campaign: the progress that produced a historic finish and the frustration of falling short of a final appearance.
The next test arrives quickly, with England scheduled to face Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.
Spain enter the fixture as the newly crowned world champions after winning the 2026 World Cup. England’s first Nations League match therefore provides an immediate reunion with one of the tournament’s strongest teams and a significant opening fixture in Group A3.
England’s opening Nations League schedule is:
- September 26: England vs Spain — Wembley
- September 29: Czechia vs England — Prague
- October 3: Croatia vs England — Rijeka
- October 6: England vs Czechia — Wembley
The extended international window gives Tuchel’s team four Group A3 matches in less than two weeks.
Tuchel has already made changes to his squad since the World Cup. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer returned to the group, while several younger players were also selected for the new campaign.
England have also had to contend with withdrawals ahead of the Nations League fixtures. The Football Association confirmed that Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice withdrew because of injury issues, with James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White subsequently called up.
The Spain fixture will consequently provide the first competitive opportunity for England’s reshaped squad since the World Cup.
A chance to turn disappointment into the next chapter
Saka’s comments show that England’s World Cup semi-final defeat remains part of the team’s recent history, but the Nations League offers an immediate competitive focus.
With Spain, Czechia and Croatia in Group A3, England face a demanding sequence of fixtures before returning to Wembley against Czechia on October 6.
For Saka and his teammates, the task now is to carry the lessons from the World Cup into the next international cycle while preparing for Euro 2028, which England will co-host.
The semi-final defeat cannot be changed, but the team’s response in the Nations League will provide the next measurable chapter of the Tuchel era.
