Bukayo Saka Earns 7/10 England Rating Despite Spain Defeat

Bukayo Saka has earned praise for his individual display, even though England lost 3-2 to Spain in the Nations League at Wembley. This update, current as of 5 October 2026, confirms the Bukayo Saka England rating handed out by reporters after the game, and sets out what it means for Arsenal during the international break.

The Arsenal winger was one of five Gunners originally selected for England duty before Declan Rice withdrew. He came through his 83 minutes on the pitch with no reported fitness problem, which will please Mikel Arteta ahead of the club’s return to Premier League action.

England’s 3-2 defeat to Spain

Spain took an early lead through Lamine Yamal, but Thomas Tuchel’s side hit back quickly. Goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane put England in front, and Saka started the game on the right for Tuchel’s side.

Spain regained control in the second half. Strikes from Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal turned the game back in their favour and secured a 3-2 win at Wembley.

Saka’s rating and performance

Express Sport, whose ratings were published by AOL, awarded Saka 7/10 for his part in the defeat. That rating reflects a performance built on sharp combination play rather than a direct hand in either England goal.

According to the ratings report, Saka’s link-up with Jude Bellingham stood out, and he was described as England’s most dangerous attacking outlet during part of the first half. He also went close to restoring England’s lead after the break.

Saka played 83 minutes before being replaced by Morgan Gibbs-White. Saka’s performance was not decisive in terms of goals or assists. Other outlets were less generous than Express Sport, but he again carried heavy attacking responsibility against one of Europe’s strongest sides.

What happens next

For Arteta, the immediate positive is straightforward. Saka completed his 83 minutes without any reported fitness issue, which matters given how often his recent seasons have been disrupted by injury.

Readers can follow the full breakdown of the England squad and Saka’s part in it in our original Saka rating report.

Read Arsenal is tracking the minutes and performances of every Gunner on international duty away from London throughout this break and will update as further team news comes in.