Former England footballers Gary Neville and Ian Wright have expressed deep concern about Bukayo Saka’s fitness as the Three Lions enter the crucial phase of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal winger has reportedly been struggling with an ongoing injury that seems to be limiting his effectiveness on the world stage.

Saka’s fitness under scrutiny

Neville has raised alarms regarding Saka’s physical state, suggesting the player is far from his usual energetic self. The Arsenal forward has been managing a persistent Achilles issue, an injury the Football Association has been monitoring carefully throughout the tournament held across North America. Despite the worries, Saka made appearances in all three group matches, though manager Thomas Tuchel opted to limit his playing time by using him primarily off the bench.

Speaking on the show Stick to Football, presented by Sky Bet, Neville admitted his unease about the 24-year-old’s condition. He said, “Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all. He’s normally that lively, smiling lad with a real competitive spark, but something’s not right, and that’s definitely worrying for us.”

Wright questions World Cup selection call

Echoing Neville’s observations, Ian Wright questioned whether bringing Saka to the tournament was the right decision. Although Saka had previously said he was “happy to gamble” with his fitness, Wright believes the winger looks physically drained after a demanding domestic season. During the Premier League’s final stretch, Saka’s minutes were carefully managed, and he has rarely completed a full 90-minute match in recent months.

“We’ve gone into a World Cup, and he’s still not starting the first few games, only coming into the lineup three matches in — and even then, he doesn’t look like the Saka we know. This lad needs a rest,” Wright remarked.

England’s wingers struggling to perform

The pundits’ concerns extend beyond Saka’s fitness, highlighting the general lack of end product from England’s wide players. While Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke have both had their chances, neither has provided the creative edge expected, forcing England to rely heavily on standout moments from Jude Bellingham or captain Harry Kane.

Roy Keane also weighed in, warning that the underperformance of the wingers could be costly in the knockout rounds. “The wingers have got to seize their moment. None of them have done that yet,” Keane said. “In the group stage, you can afford a dip, but from now on, at least one of them has to step up.”

Predictions of a semi-final finish

As England gear up to face DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta, speculation is already building about their potential route through the knockout stages. If they advance, a path through Mexico or Ecuador could set up a quarter-final clash with Brazil and a possible semi-final against defending champions Argentina. Both Wright and Keane believe that such a meeting could spell the end of England’s campaign.

Wright said, “If we can get to Brazil, I think we could beat them. But beyond that, I see us struggling. I predicted before the tournament that England would reach the semi-finals.” Keane, however, was more direct about a potential meeting with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, stating, “England would have absolutely no chance of beating Argentina in the semis — I just can’t see it.”