Bukayo Saka is confident that he is fit enough to take the field for the Three Lions as the showdown with Croatia is fast approaching.
Ahead of the match against Croatia in Dallas, Bukayo Saka’s fitness situation is the focus of attention for the British media. The 24-year-old star has been struggling with an Achilles tendon injury since March of this year. This persistent issue significantly limited his contribution to Arsenal in the final sprint of the season, when he made a mere 5 starts and played a full 90 minutes just once.
For this very reason, England national team head coach Thomas Tuchel issued a warning that the coaching staff still has to manage Bukayo very carefully, raising concerns about him not being fit enough to start or play the entire match.
Appearing at a press conference at the England team’s training base in Kansas City, Bukayo Saka tactfully denied coach Thomas Tuchel’s assertions about him not being at 100% form:
“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager’s words. What I can say is, between Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal medical team, Thomas Tuchel, and the England medical team, they have managed me brilliantly since March. They have helped me get back on the pitch and give my all for the team. Right now, I am feeling much better than I have over the past few months and I am ready to go into battle.”
At the 2026 World Cup finals, coach Thomas Tuchel possesses quality options for the right flank. Both Bukayo Saka and his teammate Noni Madueke must give their absolute best to compete for a spot in the starting lineup.
The England team will officially begin their campaign to conquer the golden trophy in Group L with a fateful clash against Croatia in Dallas. The match is a test of the Three Lions’ ambitions under Thomas Tuchel, as well as an opportunity for Bukayo Saka to prove that the doubts about his fitness are completely unfounded.
