Bukayo Saka is yet to start a game at the World Cup amid concerns over his fitness, but his two substitute appearances have hinted at why he remains such a key player for England
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 23: Bukayo Saka of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka could start England's next game(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Bukayo Saka cannot solve all of England’s problems. That is the warning from England boss Thomas Tuchel who tried to dampen down pressure on Saka’s shoulders.
The Arsenal winger has just been a substitute for England’s opening two games because of an ongoing Achilles issue. But Saka is likely to be fit to start against Panama in their final Group match and Tuchel admits England “desperately” need his quality.
However, Tuchel says it is wrong to expect too much from Saka despite his record of being a big game player for England. Tuchel said: “We need it from everyone.
“I'm not engaging in that, it’s not like Bukayo comes back and everything is solved, and I don’t want to put this on his back, he is a top player, that’s why he is with us, we need him desperately, like every other player, in top shape, and pushing.
“But everyone is doing their best, and it’s not the moment to shout for individual names to help us out. We’re in a good place, still. It was difficult.
“They did it well, and you look forward to playing. He seems to be more and more ready, and will hopefully push, and then we will see what is coming.
“He’s getting there, and there’s more and more training sessions, so he needs to have more sessions now. Two sessions to be ready for Panama. Noni Madueke tried everything as well.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 23: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, attends a press conference after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel hopes to ease the pressure on Bukayo Saka(Image: Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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“It’s not only about Bukayo but it was good he got some minutes under his belt. Hopefully, there is no reaction and he is good to go.”
Saka finished the season for Arsenal playing with the Achilles tendinitis issue and Tuchel warned ahead of the World Cup that he would struggle to start and finish every game in the tournament. But 24-year-old has said: “I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go.
“The main focus right now is winning the World Cup. And being my best version of myself for the team.”
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