Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka has surprisingly been identified as a ‘major weakness’ for England’s national team, heading into Wednesday’s round of 32 clash with DR Congo at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Sports247 reports.
This verdict comes from two England ex-internationals, Ian Wright and Gary Neville, who took closer looks at Saka’s form so far at the Mundial in USA, Canada and Mexico, where they posited that he has not been at his usual best.
Wright and Neville opined further that, aside from recurring fitness issues, Saka also appears emotionally unsettled, which they reckoned could be a missing point for England should the Nigerian-born lad get to play against DR Congo.
Speaking on ‘Stick To Football’ broadcast, Neville and Wright assessed Saka’s performances in all three of England’s group matches – off the bench against Croatia and Ghana before starting against Panama.
Both former players, one of who also played for Arsenal, concluded that Saka has been struggling at the World Cup and expressed grave concern over a likelihood of The Gunners’ star turning out to be a liability if he is selected against The Leopards.
“Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,” Neville said. “He’s usually the boy that’s bubbling and smiling. He’s got that competitive edge to him, but he’s not right now, and that’s a concern to us, I think.”
Wright added with affirmation: “We’re going into a World Cup (knockout game), and he’s still not starting the first few games, only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know. This guy needs a break.”
