World Cup 2026: Saka Announces He’s Ready to Lead England Against Croatia

England winger Bukayo Saka has said he is ready for the Three Lions’ FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia in Dallas.

After managing an Achilles injury since March, the 24‑year‑old winger confirmed he feels better than in recent months.

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“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager. But what I would say between Mikel (Arteta) and Arsenal’s medical team and England’s medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team. I am feeling better than I have felt for the last few months. I am ready to go,” Saka told Tribal Football.

“As players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest. You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.”

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“At the end of the day people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform. I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go.”

Saka is set to start for England, but complications over the next 24 hours could force him to sit out for teammate Noni Madueke.