Saka: England still feel Argentina loss but focus shifts to Nations League

Bukayo Saka says England's stoppage-time World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina left a mark, but the squad is turning its attention to the new international season.

Bukayo Saka says England's players remain affected by their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina as the squad gathers for its first international break since the tournament. England conceded in stoppage time to lose 2-1 to the 2022 champions, though they went on to finish third — their best-ever World Cup result — by beating France 6-4 in the playoff in Miami.

Saka, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said a "scar" remains from the loss given how much belief the team and the country had invested in the campaign. He added that the players are aiming to draw a line under the tournament and concentrate on four difficult Nations League group games ahead.

Manager Thomas Tuchel held a squad meeting on Tuesday to review the World Cup and redirect attention toward the home European Championship in 2028. He had used similar language about the Argentina game in his first interview since the tournament.

Saka managed an Achilles problem throughout the tournament and watched the semi-final as an unused substitute as Tuchel turned to defensive changes while protecting a lead. The Arsenal winger returned for the France match and scored a hat-trick, prompting debate about his semi-final omission.

He told talkSPORT it was "tough" not to come on against Argentina but said players must trust the manager's decisions. Saka said he wants to look ahead to the new season rather than dwell on the disappointment, both individually and as a team.