Bukayo Saka has admitted it was “tough” to watch England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina from the bench, but the Arsenal star insists the squad is ready to move forward.
Saka was an unused substitute as England suffered a last-four defeat to Argentina, with Thomas Tuchel opting for defensive replacements as he attempted to protect his side’s advantage.
The decision immediately attracted attention, particularly because Saka had played a key role during England’s World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal winger had also been managing an Achilles injury throughout the tournament in North America, adding another layer to the decision over his involvement.
Yet just three days later, Saka returned to the starting XI for England’s third-place playoff against France in Miami.
He responded in emphatic fashion.
Saka produced a memorable performance and scored a hat-trick as England claimed a remarkable 6-4 victory over France.
His return and explosive display inevitably led to further questions about why he was not introduced against Argentina.
Saka has now addressed the issue, acknowledging his disappointment while making it clear that he does not want England to remain stuck in the past.
“There’s been a lot of talk and speculation about decisions and whatnot in the Argentina game, but for me, it was tough not to come in.
“But we’re here in a new camp in a new season, and just want to look ahead now and try not to dwell on it anymore.
“You have to put full faith in [to the manager’s decisions]. He puts full faith in you, and you go out on the pitch. You put full faith in him when he’s making decisions as a unit.
“That’s football. To be fair, that’s how football’s always been. You have the manager. You have the players. The manager gives his brief, his tactics, and you go out on the pitch as players and deliver at the same time as well.”
Saka’s comments underline his willingness to accept the manager’s decisions, even when they personally prove difficult.
Rather than allow the Argentina defeat to dominate England’s next chapter, the Arsenal winger wants the squad to focus on what comes next.
That approach will be important as England begin a new campaign with another major tournament already on the horizon.
Tuchel held a meeting with the squad on Tuesday to discuss what happened at the World Cup before turning their attention towards the 2028 home European Championship.
For Saka, the message is clear.
The Argentina defeat happened, his omission was difficult, but England cannot afford to keep looking backwards.
The Arsenal star has already shown his response on the pitch, scoring three times against France after being left out of the semi-final.
Now he wants the entire England squad to take the same approach.
With a new season underway and another major tournament ahead, Saka believes the focus must shift from the decisions that have already been made to the performances that England can still deliver.
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