England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in a few days, and there are growing concerns over the fitness of Bukayo Saka as the tournament approaches. The winger remains a key figure for both club and country, and his availability could have a significant impact on England’s chances in their opening fixture.
Saka has not been fully fit for some time and was affected by injuries throughout the 2025 to 2026 season, although he still played an important role in helping Arsenal secure the Premier League crown and reach the Champions League final. As reported by the Daily Mail, England are continuing to monitor his condition closely, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will be ready to start the match.
Fitness Concerns Ahead of Tournament Opener
The situation has left England in a difficult position as they prepare for a challenging opening encounter against Croatia. The opposition are considered a strong side, which increases the importance of having key players available and fully fit for selection.
Thomas Tuchel’s team have shown strong form in competitive fixtures, but the manager is aware that Saka’s fitness remains an ongoing issue. The uncertainty has created doubt over how England will approach their attacking setup for the opening match of the tournament.
Selection Dilemma on the Right Wing
Anthony Gordon is expected to start on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford, giving England some stability in that area of the pitch. However, the right side remains less certain due to Saka’s condition and the lack of clarity over his readiness to play from the start.
If Saka is not deemed fit enough to feature, Noni Madueke could be allowed to start, as he is a player Tuchel is known to trust in key matches. This potential change would see another Arsenal player stepping into a crucial role for the Three Lions at the start of their World Cup campaign.
England will continue to assess Saka closely in the final days before the match, with a late decision expected on his involvement as they look to balance caution with the demands of a major tournament opener.
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I for one won’t be very impressed if Saka isn’t available come the start of next season. With his recent injury record, the last thing we need is to go into yet another season with one of our key players out with another long term injury.
Derek, strange but quite often it seems to me that a reigning champion team (whatever sport) has injury problems starting the subsequent season. With the Saliba, Timber, and Saka difficulties, I’m starting to get a bad feeling.
Kind of like when we were coming off that 2 pt second place finish to the ’23/’24 season and it seemed too obvious that we would be favoured to win the ’24/’25 title, before so many things went wrong to prevent it. I’ve got to do something about that paranoia, lol.
Bruised Banana,
As sad as I am for Timber that he’s missing the World Cup, I hope that it will at least give him the summer to recover and Arsenal will benefit from it.
If Saka’s injury gets aggravated in any way and keeps him out long term, I hope he thinks it was worth taking a risk on his long term fitness.
I’m not liking what I’m hearing regards Saka’s carrying of this injury. Why is it that no matter what World Cup it is, England have a history of taking a risk on an injured player.
This time It’s Saka. Just a word of warning to you Mr Saka, I believe I’m right in saying that Perry Groves career was finished by an Achilles injury.
You may be desperate to play in a World Cup, but I hope for you’re sake and Arsenal’s of course you don’t come to regret it.
As sad as you would have been to miss the World Cup, at least you’re of an age where you would get at least another three may be four opportunity’s to play at a World Cup.
If you’re gamble backfires, it may not be just the World Cup you’re missing out on.
I really hope Tuchel doesn’t risk Saka yet if he’s not fully fit.
Madueke is absolutely good enough for the group stage given his strengths and the role he would be expected to play.
I hope the big red flag of Livramento getting injured again is taken seriously by our recruitment team too.