Neville has expressed concern about England star Saka's fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup, insisting the winger "doesn't look fit at all."

According to the Daily Mail, Neville has voiced concerns over England winger Saka's physical condition at the FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that the player "doesn't look fit at all" as the Three Lions prepare for the knockout stages. Saka has been managing a persistent Achilles issue under FA supervision after playing through the injury for Arsenal in the latter stages of last season.

England manager Tuchel acknowledged earlier this month that Saka was unable to train on consecutive days. Saka featured in all three of England's group-stage matches, coming off the bench against Croatia and Ghana, and playing over an hour in the 2-0 victory over Panama.

With England struggling to create chances from the wings in their first two matches, concerns resurfaced as the team entered the knockout stage. Neville voiced his clear apprehension about Saka on the "Stick to Football" show.

Neville said: "Saka doesn't look fit at all. He's normally such an energetic lad, smiling with real competitive drive, but he's not performing at his best right now, and that's a concern for me, and I think for all of us."

Ian Wright shared similar concerns. The Arsenal legend questioned whether Saka had returned "too early" before the FIFA World Cup.

Wright said: "We go to the World Cup, but he doesn't start until after a few early games, only making the starting lineup after three matches, and he still doesn't look like the Saka we know. This guy needs rest."

Before the FIFA World Cup began, Saka acknowledged his willingness to "take the risk" regarding his fitness, as he did for Arsenal in the latter half of the season. Arsenal managed his playing time in the final weeks of the season, with the winger playing a full 90 minutes just once since mid-March.

Saka said: "As a player, it's always the biggest risk, especially when you don't feel at your sharpest. You can choose not to play, or you can choose to step forward knowing people will judge you by the same standard. I'm willing to take that risk. I felt it worked out. I'll keep doing it. Ultimately, people don't really care how you feel—they expect you to perform."

Wright and Roy Keane both emphasized that as the FIFA World Cup enters the knockout stage, England's wingers, including Anthony Gordon, must elevate their performances. In the first two group matches, England started with Anthony Gordon and Madueke providing width; Tuchel introduced Rashford and Saka as substitutes in the first two matches and only started them in the third match against Panama. However, England struggled to create clear-cut chances until Bellingham scored from a corner kick.

Wright said: "I can't remember how many major tournaments make you feel like you're constantly on a knife's edge, but I think that's normal. However, many players on this team haven't reached their best form yet. Our wingers, and our reliance on our wingers, simply hasn't been good enough."

Keane added: "The wingers need to make the most of their opportunities. These players haven't really capitalized on their chances. In the group stage, you might get away with making mistakes in one match, but now at least one winger needs to step up their performance."

England will face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. If they win, they will face Mexico or Ecuador at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com