Roy Keane has said Bukayo Saka is 'almost world class' but must prove it on the biggest stage, suggesting the Arsenal winger should not start for England at the World Cup after 'losing his spark' amid an ongoing Achilles injury.
Speaking on ITV's coverage of England's 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica, Keane said: 'The only thing I've seen from Saka tonight, the few opportunities he's got to go past someone, to me he's lost that spark a bit. The timing isn't great if he's kind of carrying an injury, maybe that might cost him a little bit.'
England manager Thomas Tuchel had earlier revealed Saka is still not fully fit, saying: 'We have to take care with Bukayo who had an injury in the March camp and carried it through to the club campaign. He made himself available and was brilliant. He was managed in between matches – we are also building him up. That continues at the moment.'
Ian Wright suggested Noni Madueke as an alternative, despite the Chelsea winger hitting the woodwork with an open goal against Costa Rica. Keane added that England must raise their levels for the World Cup opener against Croatia, calling the opposition 'warriors'.
