Thomas Tuchel has moved to reassure England supporters that Bukayo Saka is progressing well but acknowledged the Arsenal winger still requires careful handling as the Three Lions finalise their preparations for the World Cup.

Saka picked up an Achilles injury in March and was managed through the closing stages of Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign. He did return before the domestic season ended, but Tuchel confirmed the attacker's workload is still being monitored as the tournament approaches.

"We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo who had an injury in March and carried it through the club campaign," Tuchel told reporters. "He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly, but he was managed in between matches. That continues a bit at the moment — we are building him up."

Saka has scored 14 goals in 48 appearances for England and is widely regarded as one of the first names on the teamsheet. The prospect of going into a World Cup with him short of full match sharpness is understandably a concern, though Tuchel offered encouragement by noting that Saka took full part in training on Tuesday.

Warm-up matches providing valuable minutes

England claimed a 1-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday, with Tuchel making 11 substitutions at half-time to distribute minutes across the squad. The final warm-up fixture, against Costa Rica on Wednesday evening (kick-off 21:00 BST), will see players given longer runs — Tuchel suggested 60 to 70 minutes for those who need game time.

John Stones is among those who could benefit from an extended outing, having played a limited role at Manchester City last season. Tuchel was clear that the defender remains in contention: "Of course [Stones can start]. Everyone can start — everyone is fit and ready and John is one of them."

The head coach was also encouraged by the clean bill of health across the group. "No-one needs a break. Everyone is available, which is very good news. No [injury] complaints after the first match," he said.

Challengers, not favourites

With England having reached consecutive European Championship finals and progressed deep into recent World Cups, questions about expectation levels are inevitable. Tuchel was measured in his assessment, positioning his side as serious contenders without loading them with the burden of favouritism.

"If you get to two Euros finals, and reach semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup, then you are there — then you can win it," the 52-year-old said. "I strongly believe we are there, but I also believe we are not the favourites because of the history. We see ourselves as competitors and challengers."

He drew a pointed analogy with Wimbledon — noting that a long wait for a title does not preclude winning it — and urged his squad to approach the tournament with calm focus rather than distraction. "We dare to dream, and that's important," he added.

England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June, a fixture that carries its own charged history given the Croatians' role in two of England's most significant recent results on the international stage.

Political backdrop acknowledged

The tournament's build-up has not been without controversy off the pitch. FIFA confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not participate after being denied entry to the United States, while a number of visa complications have affected Iran's preparations. Tuchel expressed gratitude to the Football Association for shielding him from those distractions and allowing him to concentrate purely on the football.

Frequently asked

What injury has Bukayo Saka been carrying?
Saka sustained an Achilles injury in March 2025 and was managed carefully through the end of Arsenal's Premier League season. Thomas Tuchel confirmed England are continuing to build up his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
When do England play their first World Cup 2026 match?
England open their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia on 17 June.
Is John Stones fit for the World Cup?
Yes. Tuchel confirmed Stones is fit and available, and suggested the defender could feature against Costa Rica in England's final warm-up match on Wednesday (21:00 BST) to build his match sharpness.