Saka starts on the bench as England face DR Congo in World Cup last 32

Bukayo Saka will not start England’s World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo, with the Arsenal winger named on the bench as manager Thomas Tuchel continues to carefully manage his workload. Noni Madueke has been selected in his place.

Saka has had a stop-start tournament, making only one start — the 2-0 victory over Panama — after coming on as a substitute in both the Croatia and Ghana fixtures. The 24-year-old has been open about the challenge he faces, admitting he was “gambling” with his fitness after battling a hamstring injury late in the club season.

Despite his limited involvement, Saka has still contributed two assists in the tournament, underlining his influence even when not at full fitness. His individual training sessions have been closely monitored, with England’s medical staff managing his match load with an eye on the later stages of the competition.

Tuchel addressed Saka’s situation ahead of the Panama game, tempering expectations while expressing confidence in the winger’s trajectory. “He seems to be more and more ready and will hopefully push,” the England manager said. “We will then see.”

“It’s not like Bukayo comes back and everything is solved and I don’t want to put this on his back. He’s a top player, that’s why he’s with us, and he will get his minutes. We need him desperately, like every other player, in top shape. But everyone is doing their best and it’s not the moment to shout individual names to help us out. We’re in a good place still.”

Should England progress, a potential last-16 meeting with Mexico awaits, and Tuchel will be hoping Saka is closer to full fitness by then. For now, the priority appears to be protecting him from further setbacks rather than risking a full 90 minutes at this stage.