England forward Bukayo Saka says he is ready to feature in his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Croatia after concerns over an Achilles problem that has affected him in recent weeks.
Questions had been raised about the Arsenal winger’s fitness after England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that Saka had been managing the injury since joining the Three Lions camp in the United States.
Tuchel noted that while several of Saka’s Arsenal teammates arrived for international duty fully fit following the UEFA Champions League final, the 24-year-old had been forced to play through discomfort.
Despite the setback, Saka made a positive return to action in England’s final warm-up fixture for the tournament, coming off the bench to play 30 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Croatia, the winger offered an encouraging update on his condition, although he stopped short of confirming whether he was ready to play a full match.
“I’m not the person who would go against the manager,” Saka said.
“What I would say is, between Mikel and the Arsenal medical team and the England medical team, I’ve been managed amazingly.
“I’m feeling better than I have for the last few weeks. I’m ready to go.”
The Arsenal star has become one of England’s most important attacking players in recent years, providing goals, creativity and pace from wide positions.
His availability offers Tuchel another key option as the German coach prepares for his first World Cup match in charge of the Three Lions.
