2026 World Cup: Bukayo Saka says he is ready to play in fitness for England

Saka, who will make his 50th appearance for England in the next match, played 27 minutes in England’s warm-up against Costa Rica, with the forward’s playing time led by Tuchel.

The winger hit the mark when he came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat by Paris-Saint Germain in Budapest.

Saka’s performance in that match was criticized but when asked if he found it frustrating to be sent off despite not being 100% fit, he said it was a “gamble” he was willing to take.

“Yeah, but I think it’s the biggest gamble as a player, especially if you’re not feeling your best. You have a choice whether you play or put yourself out there knowing that people will judge you the same way,” Saka said.

“And at the end of the day, people don’t care about how you feel, they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform.

“I’m happy to take that gamble and I’ll say it, and I’ll continue to do that – but like I said, I’m feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go, so I’m excited.”

Saka will compete with Arsenal team-mate Noni Maduke for a starting right-wing position, but says they want the best for each other despite competing for playing time for club and country.

“It’s very special to have two players playing in the same position as close as we are,” Saka said.

“I don’t really know how it works, but it works, Noni is like my brother on and off the field. We push each other and we talk every day.

“We have mutual respect and want to do well for each other.

The good thing is that we play in the same team and if one of us is doing well, it is good for the other.