World Cup 2026: Tuchel issues Bukayo Saka fitness warning as England manage star carefully

England manager Thomas Tuchel has moved to temper expectations around Bukayo Saka’s fitness, insisting the Arsenal winger must be carefully managed as the Three Lions fine-tune preparations for the World Cup.

England open their campaign against Croatia on June 15, with a final warm-up against Costa Rica offering Tuchel a last look at his squad balance.

The German coach, overseeing his first tournament cycle with England, is particularly focused on ensuring key players arrive in peak condition following a demanding club season that ended with Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. While several attackers and midfielders are fully available, Saka’s workload remains under close monitoring.

Bukayo Saka

Saka remains the primary concern in Tuchel’s squad management plans, with the winger still feeling the after-effects of an injury sustained earlier in the year. Although he featured strongly towards the end of the season, his minutes were carefully controlled.

“We still have to take care a little bit about Bukayo, who had an injury in the March camp and carried it through, of course, into his club campaign,” Tuchel said.

The England manager stressed that while the Arsenal star showed remarkable commitment in returning to action, his recovery has not been rushed. “He was available and made himself available in the end of the season, and did this brilliantly, but he was managed in-between matches and that continues a little bit at the very moment, so we’re building him up.”

The message from camp is clear: Saka remains central to England’s attacking plans, but his build-up will be gradual to avoid any setback before the tournament begins.

Declan Rice

In contrast, Declan Rice is fully fit and expected to anchor England’s midfield from the outset. Tuchel confirmed the midfielder has responded well to training and is in strong condition heading into the final preparation matches.

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke also arrives in camp without fitness concerns. Tuchel indicated he is “100 per cent available,” offering England another dynamic wide option as competition for attacking places intensifies.

Eberechi Eze

Arsenal playmaker Eberechi Eze is similarly in peak condition. His creativity in the final third adds another dimension to England’s attacking unit, with Tuchel confirming he is fully ready for selection and tactical integration.