World Cup 2026: Bukayo Saka says he is ready to gamble with his fitness for England

Saka, who will play his 50th match for England in the next match, played for 27 minutes in England’s friendly match against Costa Rica, with Tuchel managing the striker’s playing time.

The winger was substituted in the Champions League final as Arsenal lost to Paris-St Germain in Budapest, with his score at the time of substitution.

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

“Yes, but as players I think that’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your best. You have the choice of not playing or putting yourself out there knowing that people will judge you the same way,” Saka said.

“And at the end of the day, people don’t really care how you feel; they expect you to meet their expectations, to perform.

“I’m happy I took that gamble and I can say it paid off and I’ll continue to do it but like I said I feel a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go so I’m excited.”

Saka is competing with Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke for a starting spot on the right wing, but says they want the best for each other despite competing for game time for club and country.

“It’s quite a unique situation for two players playing in the same position to be 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 mutually respect each other and want each other to do well.

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