Former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has cast doubt over Bukayo Saka's ability to command a starting berth for England at the FIFA World Cup 2026, pointing to a disappointing end to the season as evidence that the winger is struggling to justify his place.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Petit was frank in his assessment despite professing admiration for the Arsenal right winger. "Saka, for me, is not coming out of a good season with Arsenal. We saw that in the Champions League final. He doesn't make an impact anymore, and I think that there are other players who deserve to be picked in the starting lineup," Petit said.

He went further, adding: "I'm a huge, huge fan of Saka, but I've got to be honest. If I'm his team-mate, I don't understand it. There are so many strong and talented players who are better than Saka."

A mixed end to the season

Petit's criticism centres on Saka's recent form. Across his last four appearances in all competitions, the winger has managed just one goal and zero assists — a run that included a 28-minute substitute outing for England against Costa Rica in preparation for the World Cup.

Yet that picture is not entirely bleak. In four matches during May alone, Saka scored twice and contributed two assists, with one of those goals proving decisive in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Saka's broader record hard to dismiss

Any case against Saka must contend with his broader body of work. The Arsenal winger has registered more than 60 goals and 50 assists in over 220 Premier League appearances, consistently ranking among his club's top contributors in both goals and goal involvements each season. His technical ability, durability, and creativity on the right flank have made him one of the most reliable wide players in European football.

Whether England manager will heed Petit's verdict when the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrives remains to be seen, but the former World Cup winner's words are sure to spark debate among Three Lions supporters ahead of the tournament.