Tuchel warns England not to rely on Saka to fix their World Cup struggles

Thomas Tuchel has told his England squad not to place the weight of their World Cup campaign on Bukayo Saka’s shoulders, even as the Arsenal winger moves closer to a starting berth for their final Group stage fixture against Panama.

Saka has been restricted to substitute appearances in England’s opening two matches due to a persistent Achilles tendinitis issue that troubled him throughout the closing weeks of the club season. Despite that, Tuchel acknowledged England “desperately” need the 24-year-old at his best — while stressing that expectation must be spread across the entire squad.

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

Tuchel had flagged before the tournament that Saka would be unlikely to start and finish every game, and that caution has shaped his selection so far. The England manager indicated Saka needs at least two more training sessions before he can be considered ready to start against Panama, adding: “He’s getting there, and there are more and more training sessions. Hopefully there is no reaction and he is good to go.”

Tuchel also offered measured praise for Noni Madueke, who has filled in on the right flank in Saka’s absence. “Noni Madueke tried everything as well,” he said, signalling that the Chelsea winger’s efforts have not gone unnoticed even if the team’s performances have left room for improvement.

Saka himself struck a confident tone about his fitness. “I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go,” he said. “The main focus right now is winning the World Cup and being my best version of myself for the team.”

England’s draw against Ghana left Tuchel acknowledging the difficulty of the result while insisting his side remain in a good position in the group. With Panama to come, the question of whether Saka is handed his first start of the tournament is set to dominate the build-up.