Thomas Tuchel to start Bukayo Saka despite injury

England manager Thomas Tuchel plans to start Bukayo Saka in the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17 despite an ongoing Achilles problem.

Saka has been dealing with the Achilles issue for months, missed a month and seven domestic matches, and returned towards the end of April, but is not considered fit for a full 90 minutes.

At the pre‑match press conference Tuchel said the squad must manage Saka’s minutes and that Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Ebere Eze are all 100 percent available.

Tuchel added that the decision on who starts and how many minutes to give will be taken on the afternoon of the match, after a training session in which all Arsenal players, including Saka, participated.

England’s final warm‑up against Costa Rica is scheduled for Wednesday, while Arsenal remain concerned about Saka’s workload after teammate Jurrien Timber missed the tournament due to a groin injury.