Neville and Wright question Bukayo Saka’s World Cup fitness for England

Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have raised serious concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness during the World Cup following the winger’s subdued performance in a 2-0 victory against Panama.

The Arsenal forward has been managing a persistent Achilles injury since the final weeks of the domestic season.

Consequently, the 24-year-old was restricted to brief substitute appearances during the Three Lions’ opening group stage fixtures against Croatia and Ghana.

Thomas Tuchel finally handed the attacker his first start of the tournament on Saturday evening.

Pundits question premature return

Saka was withdrawn after 63 minutes, shortly after Jude Bellingham had secured the opening goal of the match.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Neville suggested the usually vibrant forward is currently lacking his trademark competitive edge.

Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all. 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.

Fellow pundit and Arsenal legend Wright echoed these sentiments, questioning whether the medical staff have rushed the player’s recovery.

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 faces mounting injury list

The England manager is already navigating a heavily depleted squad in the United States.

Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw before the tournament commenced, while Reece James missed the Panama fixture with a hamstring problem.

Despite these mounting fitness setbacks, the national side successfully topped Group L.

England will now travel to Atlanta to face DR Congo in the round of 32 on Tuesday evening.

A victory would secure a last-16 tie in Mexico City against either Mexico or Ecuador.