Bukayo Saka's fitness has become one of the defining concerns of England's World Cup campaign, with two former England internationals openly questioning whether the Arsenal winger is ready to perform at his best.

Saka has started just one of England's three group-stage matches, having entered the tournament carrying a hamstring injury sustained late in the domestic season. He came off the bench to provide an assist in the 4-2 victory over Croatia, and started against Panama — delivering the corner that led to Jude Bellingham's opening goal — but had little impact in the goalless draw with Ghana.

Neville and Wright express concern over Saka form

Speaking on Sky Bet's Stick to Football podcast, former England right-back Gary Neville did not mince his words. "Bukayo Saka doesn't look right at all," Neville said. "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."

Before the tournament began, Saka himself acknowledged he had been "gambling" with his fitness — a candid admission that has taken on greater significance as the knockout rounds approach.

Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright echoed those doubts, questioning whether Saka had been rushed back into action too soon. "Has Bukayo Saka been rushed back?" Wright 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."

Wider concerns on the flanks

Noni Madueke has filled the right-flank role in two of England's three matches, while Marcus Rashford replaced Anthony Gordon on the left following the Ghana draw. Wright suggested England's dependence on their wide players — and the current underperformance of that unit — represents a serious problem for manager Thomas Tuchel.

"I can't remember too many tournaments where you're feeling like you're on the edge," Wright said. "But there are a lot of people in the England squad who are not up to speed. Our wingers, and the way we depend on the wingers, are not doing well enough."

Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane also weighed in, urging England's wide players to seize the moment as the group stage draws to a close. "These players haven't quite grabbed their opportunity yet," Keane 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."