England head coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Bukayo Saka’s fitness is being closely monitored as preparations for the World Cup continue.
The Arsenal forward suffered a muscle injury earlier in 2026 but returned to help his club win the Premier League title during their run-in.
Tuchel confirmed that despite Saka’s return to action, the attacker still requires a careful approach as England build his fitness back up ahead of the tournament.
“We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo [Saka] who had an injury in March and carried it through the club campaign,” Tuchel told a news conference.
“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.”
Tuchel moved to ease concerns, however, confirming that Saka had taken full part in training alongside the rest of the squad.
“We just came from training and everyone was involved including Bukayo,” the England boss said, offering a reassuring update to supporters.
Saka, who has scored 14 goals in 48 appearances for the Three Lions, is considered one of England’s most important attacking players heading into the tournament.
Tuchel also confirmed that John Stones is among the players in contention to start the warm-up fixture against Costa Rica on Wednesday, having played a peripheral role at Manchester City last season.
“Of course [Stones can start]. Everyone can start – everyone is fit and ready and John is one of them,” Tuchel said.
Having made 11 changes at half-time in Saturday’s 1-0 win against New Zealand, Tuchel is expected to give players longer game time against Costa Rica, with some set to play up to 70 minutes.
“Players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. We will make this decision in the afternoon,” he confirmed, with England’s tournament opener against Croatia firmly in mind.
On the subject of England’s chances in North America, Tuchel was keen to position his side as challengers rather than outright contenders.
“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 German said.
“We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way but I don’t think we are the heavy favourites.”
Tuchel drew a colourful comparison to illustrate his point, referencing Wimbledon to capture the nature of England’s position as a credible but not dominant force.
“Maybe it’s the wrong comparison, but if you go to Wimbledon and haven’t won it for 60 years, you’re not the favourites – but you can win it, of course. That’s what we want to do.”
He added: “I have belief. We all have belief and a dream. But it comes with hard work, responsibility, commitment and discipline – and sometimes disappointment. That’s all part of it. But we dare to dream, and that’s important.”
Tuchel also expressed gratitude towards the Football Association for allowing him to remain focused on football amid growing political issues surrounding the tournament build-up.
“I’m grateful to the FA for letting me separate [politics and football] and talk about football and just talk about football because we need to be focused,” Tuchel added.
