Saka’s fitness management
England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Bukayo Saka’s fitness is being carefully managed as the World Cup approaches. Saka, an Arsenal winger, sustained a muscle injury in March and played through discomfort during the end of his club’s season. Despite his involvement in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and helping Arsenal win the Premier League title, Tuchel noted that Saka is not yet at full fitness.
Tuchel stated that Saka made himself available for Arsenal’s campaign and performed brilliantly, but his participation was managed between matches. This careful approach is continuing with the national squad. While other Arsenal players like Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke are considered to be at 100% fitness, Saka is still in a rebuilding phase.
The manager explained that Saka is currently unable to participate in every training session throughout the week and then play. He suggested it is unlikely Saka will start and finish every match during the tournament. Tuchel highlighted that Arsenal had also managed Saka’s discomfort, allowing him to play through pain even if it meant not training fully during the week.
Squad preparation and expectations
Tuchel is assessing his squad before the final warm-up match against Costa Rica. Following a 1-0 victory over New Zealand, where Tuchel made 11 changes at half-time, some players are expected to receive more game time against Costa Rica to build their fitness. Among those who could benefit from increased minutes is John Stones, who had a limited role at Manchester City last season.
Tuchel confirmed that all players are fit and available, with no injury complaints after the first warm-up match. He anticipates players will play 60 or 70 minutes against Costa Rica. The team will then have a chance to engage in a match behind closed doors at their training facility before heading to Kansas to begin their tournament journey.
The England manager also addressed the team’s status for the World Cup, insisting that they are challengers rather than favourites. He acknowledged England’s recent strong performances, reaching two European Championship finals and progressing deep into previous World Cup tournaments. However, he believes historical context suggests they are not the outright favourites.
Tuchel emphasised the importance of a calm mindset, focus, hard work, responsibility, commitment, and discipline to achieve success. He expressed gratitude to the Football Association for allowing him to concentrate on football despite political issues surrounding the tournament, such as visa problems for participants from Iran and a referee being denied entry into the USA.
Regarding individual players, Tuchel urged a focus on the team rather than specific individuals like Jude Bellingham. He stated that the team has proven they can win matches without Bellingham and that no single player can win the World Cup alone. The manager indicated that decisions on starting lineups would be flexible throughout the tournament, with players needing to accept that they may not start every game but can still play decisive roles.
The match against Costa Rica, scheduled for Wednesday, is the second and final warm-up game before England begins their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June.
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Source: bbc.com
