Bukayo Saka Says He Is Ready To Go For England Vs Croatia World Cup Opener

Bukayo Saka said he is “ready to go” for England’s FIFA 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday, despite managing an Achilles injury since March.

Saka said he is prepared to push through fitness concerns and told reporters: “I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager.”

BBC

England manager Thomas Tuchel has said Saka needs to be “taken care of” and that it was “very unlikely” he would “start and finish” every World Cup match.

Saka said his workload has been managed by “Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March,” and added: “I’m feeling better than I have felt in the last few months, and I’m ready to go.”

Saka acknowledged he has had to “gamble” with his fitness, saying: “As players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest.”

He added that players face a choice “whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same,” and said “I’m happy to take the gamble.”

BBC

The BBC said Saka will make his 50th appearance for England in his next match and noted he played 27 minutes of England’s warm-up game against Costa Rica.

Saka also said England have “the talent, passion and confidence” to finally win the World Cup, telling reporters: “I think it’s mainly the belief.”

With England’s Group L campaign set to get underway in Dallas on Wednesday, Saka said he is “ready to go” if selected for the full game.

“Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has insisted he is prepared to push through fitness concerns and is “ready to go” for England’s FIFA 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday”

Business News Nigeria

The Guardian reported that Noni Madueke could start in place of Saka on the right side of England’s attack if Tuchel decides not to risk him against Croatia in Dallas.

Saka said Arsenal’s Premier League title win for the first time in 22 years has given him and other Arsenal players “more confidence and freedom,” and he described the squad’s belief as a key factor.

ESPN said Tuchel has selected Saka and Noni Madueke to compete for a place on England’s right flank, with the Achilles issue continuing to shape how much Saka can be used as the tournament begins.