England’s Saka says team still bear World Cup semi‑final scar

England winger Bukayo Saka has said the national team still carry the emotional scar from their 2022 World Cup semi‑final defeat to Argentina. The 23‑year‑old reflected on the heartbreak that followed a 3‑3 draw after extra time and a 4‑3 penalty shootout loss.

In a recent interview, Saka described the lingering impact of the match, noting that the players still feel the disappointment and the sense that something was missed. He added that this experience has become part of the team’s collective memory.

England’s exit from Qatar was a turning point for the squad, as they had been in contention for the trophy before the loss. The emotional toll has been evident in subsequent performances, with the team showing a heightened sense of urgency and determination.

Looking ahead, the England side is preparing for upcoming international fixtures and the next major tournament. Saka’s comments underscore the importance of learning from the setback to build resilience.

As the squad works to regain confidence, the memory of the semi‑final loss remains a reminder of the challenges faced on the world stage and a motivation to strive for better results in future competitions.