Neville and Wright warn Saka still not right ahead of England's World Cup knockout clash

Bukayo Saka’s fitness and form have become a growing concern for England heading into their crucial World Cup clash with DR Congo, with former internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright both questioning whether the Arsenal winger is ready to make a decisive impact at the tournament.

Saka, 24, has started only one of England’s three group games after admitting before the tournament that he was “gambling” with his fitness following a hamstring problem late in the domestic season. He came off the bench to register an assist in the 4-2 win over Croatia, could not replicate that influence in the goalless draw with Ghana, and started against Panama — delivering the corner for Jude Bellingham’s opening goal — but has yet to catch fire.

“Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,” Neville said on the Stick to Football podcast. “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.”

Wright went further, suggesting Saka has been rushed back too soon. “Has Bukayo Saka been rushed back?” the former England and Arsenal striker said. “We’re going into a World Cup, and still not starting the first few games, only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know — this guy needs a break.”

With Saka’s place in doubt, Noni Madueke has started on the right flank in two of England’s three matches, while Marcus Rashford replaced Anthony Gordon on the left following the Ghana draw. Wright identified the wide positions as a broader problem for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

“Our wingers, and the way we depend on the wingers, are not doing well enough,” Wright said. “There are a lot of people in the England squad who are not up to speed.”

Roy Keane echoed that view, warning England’s wide players that the knockout stage demands more. “These players haven’t quite grabbed their opportunity yet,” the former Manchester United midfielder said. “In the group games, you can maybe slip up in one of them, but now at least one of them has to start turning up.”