Bukayo Saka has admitted that England are still haunted by the pain of their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, describing the wound as a "scar" that refuses to fade on its own schedule.

Thomas Tuchel's side were within touching distance of history — a first men's World Cup final appearance since 1966 — before two late Argentina goals snatched the match away in a cruel 2-1 loss. England recovered to beat France 6-4 in the bronze medal match, delivering the Three Lions their best World Cup finish in 60 years, yet the yearning for a second major trophy lingers.

"Obviously, there is still a scar on us when you believed and everyone was so united and so confident we could do it," Saka said. "Not just us, but the whole country we felt. You try to move on as soon as possible, but you know a scar is a scar, it decides to heal when it heals itself."

Focus shifts to Nations League

England now face an immediate test of their resolve as they host world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday at 19:45, the first of four Nations League group games over the next fortnight.

Saka made clear the squad are determined to channel their frustration into the new campaign. "We are trying to draw a line under the World Cup now and focus on the new international season," he said. "We have got four massive, difficult group games to try and qualify for the Nations League knockouts that we are really focused on."

Dowman tipped for senior honours

Away from the World Cup fallout, Saka reserved high praise for his Arsenal club-mate Max Dowman, the 16-year-old who has been turning heads across English football. "His talent is insane," Saka said. "It's up to him how far he is going to go in football. His talent is crazy." Saka believes a senior England call-up is not a question of if, but when.

England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley echoed those sentiments, acknowledging Dowman's "amazing talent" while suggesting the teenager is best served remaining with the under-19s for this international window. "He is more than capable of playing in the under-21s," Carsley said. "What I do think will happen with the age group he goes to is that he can play the minutes. He can also have that time to consolidate where he is in his career and play with his friends again and take that little bit of pressure off him."

Carsley left no doubt about Dowman's long-term trajectory. "I have no doubt that Max is going to be with the under-21s," he added. "That is something I am keen to have a conversation with him and his parents, on the way we see his pathway going, because he is an amazing talent and someone we are very lucky to have."