Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyle'How England's impossible job became a dream job for a German: Tuchel loves it'England winger Bukayo Saka has stated he will continue to "take the gamble" on his fitness to be involved in the World Cup campaign, despite managing an Achilles injury. Saka's Achilles issue, which he picked up in March, affected the end of his domestic season with Arsenal, leading him to play through the pain barrier. While manager Thomas Tuchel expressed doubts about Saka's ability to play a full 90 minutes, Saka affirmed he is "ready to go" for England's Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas. Saka acknowledged the risk of playing whilst not feeling his sharpest but believes his decision to do so for Arsenal's run-in "paid off" and he intends to continue this approach. He noted a significant improvement in his fitness since March, crediting the medical teams at Arsenal and England for their management, and expressed support for teammate Noni Madueke, a close friend and competitor for his position. In fullBukayo Saka admits fitness ‘gamble’ ahead of England’s World Cup openerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Bukayo Saka declares his focus on helping England win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to earn a second star despite fitness concerns from recent injuries.

The Arsenal winger declared himself fit to feature in Wednesday's Group L opener with Croatia in Dallas but is having an persistent Achilles problem managed by the FA.