World Cup
Saka credits medical teams ahead of England World Cup opener
Bukayo Saka says Arsenal's Premier League triumph has sharpened his hunger for World Cup success with England. The 24-year-old featured 31 times as Arsenal ended their 22-year league title drought.
Saka will likely start for England in Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia. He played just 25 Premier League matches this season due to hip and Achilles issues managed during the run-in.
"When you have that success and you taste it, you want to do it again," Saka told media. "It can go two ways but when I speak for myself, you know, I'd say it's definitely made me want to do it again and come into this tournament with even more hunger."
He praised both Arsenal and England medical teams for managing his fitness since March. "Between Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas Tuchel and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly," Saka said.
"I'm feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I'm ready to go. I'm feeling a lot better than I did in March and I'm ready to go so I'm excited."
If Saka requires rotation during the tournament, Noni Madueke is expected to deputise on the right wing. Saka lauded Madueke’s partnership, calling their bond "unique."
"Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch," Saka said. "We push each other and we speak every day. We have that mutual respect for each other and we want each other to do well."
England face Croatia in their World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday.