Tuchel managing Saka carefully as England build him up for World Cup 2026

Thomas Tuchel has revealed England are carefully managing Bukayo Saka’s workload during the pre-tournament camp in Florida, with the Arsenal winger still feeling the effects of an injury sustained in March.

Saka was one of four Arsenal players to arrive late to the England camp after the Champions League final, and Tuchel confirmed that extra care is being taken to ensure the winger peaks at the right moment. “We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March and carried it through to club,” the England head coach said at his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Costa Rica. “He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly but he was managed in between matches; that continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up.”

The other three Arsenal players in camp — Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice — were described as “100% fit” by Tuchel and are expected to feature against Costa Rica.

Tuchel used the press conference to expand on why Rice was his natural choice as vice-captain, pointing to the midfielder’s football intelligence and two outstanding seasons at Arsenal. “He has a high football IQ. He takes care of the formation and structure, the adaptation, and the rhythm of our game,” Tuchel said. “He’s had two outstanding seasons with Arsenal — one of their main players in their Champions League campaign. He’s one of the best midfielders in Europe at the moment, full of confidence. That’s why he is my vice-captain.”

Tuchel also addressed questions over John Stones, who has had limited minutes this season. The England manager was unequivocal in his assessment of the former Manchester City defender’s readiness. “He feels very, very good. He feels fully competitive,” Tuchel said. “He hasn’t played a lot of minutes — not as many as we would have liked — but he was available all season and that’s a big difference. He wasn’t injured much, he has trust in his body, and most importantly, he did very well for us when he was in the camp.”

With the World Cup 2026 group stage approaching, England’s management of Saka will be closely watched. The winger’s form and fitness could prove decisive for a side that relies heavily on his creativity and directness in wide areas.