Saka vows to gamble on Achilles fitness as England chase World Cup glory

Bukayo Saka has declared himself ready to play through an Achilles injury at the World Cup, insisting the risk is one he is willing to take as England begin their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday.

The Arsenal winger, set to earn his 50th international cap in that Group opener, missed England’s March camp due to the problem and battled through discomfort during Arsenal’s title run-in, raising serious doubts about his fitness heading into the tournament.

“As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” Saka said. “You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same. I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go.”

Saka, 24, pointed to Arsenal’s first league title in 22 years as a source of renewed confidence and hunger heading into the tournament. “Knowing what it takes to win is important and it gives you more belief. It gives you more confidence and freedom. When you have that success and you taste it, you want to do it again — and it gives me even more hunger.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that Saka will not be able to start and finish every match, and the winger says he is comfortable sharing the wide role with Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke. “Noni is like my brother and we enjoy competing and playing together,” Saka said. “Not many players have done that, especially so young. So it’s proud for me.”

Saka’s willingness to take the field despite the physical risk will come as a significant relief to Tuchel, who regards the Arsenal forward as one of England’s most important attacking outlets. His form and fitness over the coming weeks could prove decisive in how far England progress.