Saka declares himself fit and ready as England face Norway in World Cup quarter-final

Bukayo Saka has declared himself fit and ready to play a full part in England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, easing concerns over the Achilles injury that has limited his involvement since the tournament began.

The Arsenal winger has not completed 90 minutes for the Three Lions in any game so far, but his minutes have steadily increased and he provided the assist for Jude Bellingham’s opener in England’s dramatic win over Mexico at the Azteca. Speaking ahead of the quarter-final in Miami, Saka was bullish about his condition.

“I think across the tournament my minutes have been building and building,” he said. “Of course, I would love to come into this tournament 100%, but that wasn’t the case and everyone’s realised that and they’ve managed me in the best way possible. But right now I’m feeling great and ready to go.”

Saka also outlined the mindset that has kept him effective despite not always starting or finishing games. “Each game has been unique for me, but my mindset doesn’t really change much,” he said. “I come on whether I start or play. I just try and do what the game needs, whether it needs a goal, whether it needs the team to defend, whatever it needs. Today it’s about winning. That’s my mindset.”

With the euphoria of the Mexico victory still fresh, Saka has urged his teammates to park the emotion and refocus. “We discussed that we need to put the drama and the emotions of the Mexico game behind us now,” he said. “We took in all the praise and everything that came with it, but now we need to focus on Norway, which is going to be another tough challenge, a different challenge. We’re fully focused and positive that we’ll win on Saturday.”

Thomas Tuchel’s side will face Norway knowing a place in the World Cup semi-finals is at stake, with Saka’s fitness now a significant boost to their attacking options.