​Bukayo Saka says he is ready to go as he continues to manage an Achilles issue that’s disrupting his World Cup progress. The Arsenal winger arrived at the tournament still feeling the lingering effects of an injury picked up in March, and his minutes have been carefully managed, resulting in limited playing time thus far.
Saka started the opener against Panama and also featured against Mexico, while coming off the bench in the other group-stage matches. Despite these appearances, he has not yet logged a full 90 minutes in a single game during the tournament. As the competition moves toward its closing stages, with England’s quarter-final clash against Norway set for Saturday, Saka insists he is feeling healthier and more prepared than at any point in the tournament.
“I think across the tournament, my minutes have been building. I’m building,” Saka said. “Of course, I would have loved to come to this tournament 100%, but that wasn’t the case and everyone’s realized that. They’ve managed me in the best way possible. But right now, I’m feeling great and I’m ready to go.”
Typically a fixture in boss Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI, Saka acknowledged that this has been a “unique” period for him. He described each game as a different challenge, yet emphasized that his mindset remains consistent. “Whether I come on or I start, I just try and do what the game needs, whether it needs a goal, whether it needs the team to defend, whatever it needs. It’s about winning. That’s my mindset.”
In the tournament, Saka played a pivotal role in England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, assisting Jude Bellingham for the opening goal. He later had to make way as Tuchel’s side clung to the win after Jarell Quansah’s sending-off, sealing a famous triumph. Reflecting on that match, Saka said the team needed to reset and move forward. “We discussed that we need to put the drama and the emotions of the Mexico game behind now. We soaked in all the praise and everything that came a bit, but now we need to focus on Norway, which is going to be another tough challenge, a different challenge. We’re fully focused and I’m positive that we’ll win.”
Saka’s fitness update comes at a crucial juncture as England prepare for a quarter-final that could decide much about their World Cup aspirations. The 24-year-old has demonstrated resilience and leadership on and off the pitch, playing a shaping role in England’s attacking framework while continuing to manage a lingering Achilles issue. His readiness to contribute in Norway’s encounter will be closely watched by fans and pundits who see him as a key piece in England’s pursuit of World Cup glory.
Beyond the field, Saka’s approach is underscored by his professionalism. He has adapted to a tournament schedule that has demanded pauses and load management, balancing the need to protect his body with the imperative to contribute offensively. His statements reflect a commitment to team goals, a willingness to adapt roles as required, and a confidence that the team can overcome the next hurdle with precision and determination.
As England eyes a potential deep run in the World Cup, the health and form of Bukayo Saka remain central to their plans. If his Achilles continues to respond well to rest and targeted conditioning, he could be instrumental in breaking down Norway’s defense and helping England secure a place in the semi-finals. With the quarter-final vantage point approaching, Saka’s readiness to “go” at top speed signals a key moment in England’s campaign, where his creativity, pace, and versatility could illuminate the next chapter of their World Cup story.