England manager Thomas Tuchel has cautioned against expecting Bukayo Saka to single-handedly solve the team's problems, as the Arsenal winger nears his first start of the World Cup. Saka has been limited to substitute appearances in England's opening two matches due to an ongoing Achilles issue, but is expected to feature from the outset against Panama in the final group game.
Tuchel acknowledged that England 'desperately' need Saka's quality, but stressed that the burden should not rest solely on his shoulders. 'It's not like Bukayo comes back and everything is solved, and I don't want to put this on his back,' the England boss said. 'He is a top player, that's why he is with us, we need him desperately, like every other player, in top shape.'
The German coach emphasised the importance of collective effort rather than individual brilliance. 'Everyone is doing their best, and it's not the moment to shout for individual names to help us out. We're in a good place, still,' he added.
Saka, 24, has been managing tendinitis in his Achilles, which Tuchel warned before the tournament would limit his ability to start and finish every game. However, Saka has expressed confidence in his fitness, stating, 'I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I'm ready to go. The main focus right now is winning the World Cup.'
Tuchel confirmed that Saka needs more training sessions to be fully ready for Panama. 'He's getting there, and there's more and more training sessions, so he needs to have more sessions now. Two sessions to be ready for Panama,' Tuchel said. Noni Madueke, who started in Saka's absence, also came in for praise from the manager.
