Bukayo Saka has yet to start a game at the World Cup due to fitness concerns, but his two substitute appearances suggest why he remains a key player for England
Bukayo Saka could start in England’s next match (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka cannot solve all of England’s problems. That was a warning from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who sought to ease the pressure on Saka’s shoulders.
The Arsenal winger only came off the bench in England’s opening two games due to an Achilles tendon injury. However, Saka is likely to start in the final group game against Panama, with Tuchel admitting England “desperately” need his quality.
However, manager Tuchel says it would be a mistake to expect too much from Saka, despite his track record as a big-time player for England. “We need demand from everyone,” Tuchel said.
“I’m not involved in that. Bukayo coming back doesn’t solve everything. And I don’t want to put this on him. He’s a top player, that’s why he’s with us. We desperately need him, like any other player, pushing at his best.”
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“But everyone is doing their best. This is not the time to shout out individual names to help us. We are still in a good position. It was difficult.”
“They’ve done a good job and I’m looking forward to playing. He’s looking more and more ready and hopefully he’ll make a push and we’ll see what happens.”
“He is progressing towards his goal and the training sessions are increasing, so now he needs to take more sessions. He needs two sessions to prepare for Panama. Noni Madueke has tried everything as well. He is progressing towards his goal.”
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Thomas Tuchel wants to take pressure off Bukayo Saka (Image: Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“It’s not just about Bukayo, but it was good that he was able to practice for a few minutes. Hopefully there was no reaction and he’s okay.”
Saka ended his season at Arsenal with an Achilles tendonitis problem, but Tuchel warned ahead of the World Cup that he would struggle to start and keep clean sheets in every game in the competition. But the 24-year-old said:
“My main focus now is to win the World Cup and be the best version of myself for the team.”
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