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Bukayo Saka was dealing with a hamstring injury towards the closing stages of the domestic campaign, and that issue appears to have carried into the World Cup.

The tournament has been a frustrating one so far for the England winger, who has managed to start only one of the team’s three matches, having battled with fitness problems in recent months.

The Arsenal star came off the bench to provide an assist during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, but he was unable to make a similar impact in the goalless draw against Ghana.

Saka was included in the starting line-up against Panama, where he delivered the corner that led to Jude Bellingham’s opening goal. However, despite flashes of quality, the 24-year-old has not yet found his top form at the tournament.

Saka has been a standout performer for England in recent major competitions, but before the World Cup, he admitted that he had been taking a risk by playing through his fitness concerns.

Former England right-back Gary Neville believes that Saka is still struggling to regain full sharpness. “Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,” Neville said on Sky Bet’s *Stick to Football* podcast. “He’s normally that lively, smiling lad with real drive and competitiveness, but he’s not himself right now, and that’s a worry for us.”

Ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright shared similar concerns, suggesting that Saka may have returned to action too quickly. “Has Bukayo Saka been rushed back?” Wright asked. “We’re heading into a World Cup, and he’s not starting the first few games. Now, three matches in, he still doesn’t look like the Saka we know – this guy needs a rest.”

Noni Madueke has featured on the right wing in two of England’s three fixtures so far, while Anthony Gordon was replaced by Marcus Rashford on the left after the draw with Ghana.

Wright also pointed out that England’s wide positions have become a concern for manager Thomas Tuchel. “I can’t remember too many tournaments where you feel like you’re hanging on the edge – that’s probably normal,” Wright said. “But there are a few players in this England squad who haven’t hit their stride. Our wingers, who are crucial to how we play, just aren’t performing at the level we need.”

Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane also weighed in, offering his assessment of England’s wide players. “These wingers haven’t really taken their chance yet,” Keane commented. “In the group stages, you can maybe get away with one quiet game, but from now on, at least one of them needs to step up.”