Bukayo Saka has declared that England are “just getting better and better” as they prepare to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday. The winger, carrying an achilles injury into the tournament, has played a key role with three assists, including one for Jude Bellingham’s first goal against Mexico. Saka believes the team’s spirit is at an all-time high following their backs-to-the-wall victory in Mexico City.
Belief soaring after Mexico win
“The spirit is high and became even higher after that game,” Saka said. “How players that haven’t played yet came on and the players that have been playing and producing big moments did that again. Everyone had their contribution, and it was just an amazing night for us as a camp. We need to take that spirit into the game against Norway.” England had to dig deep after Jarell Quansah’s red card, but the 2-1 win has galvanised the squad.
Saka’s fitness gamble paying off
Saka admitted he was gambling on his fitness during the group stages due to an achilles problem. “Across the tournament, my minutes have been building. I’m building,” he explained. “Of course, I would have loved to come to this tournament 100 per cent, but that wasn’t the case, and everyone’s realised that, and they’ve managed me in the best way possible. But right now, I’m feeling great, and I’m ready to go.” He was substituted after 57 minutes against Mexico as a precaution.
Tuchel’s impact praised
Saka credited head coach Thomas Tuchel for England’s progress since replacing Gareth Southgate. “It’s been amazing,” Saka said. “He’s been really good for us on this journey, and you’ve seen from the qualifiers to now. The results that we have speak for themselves. And in this World Cup, we’re still unbeaten. We’re just getting better and better each game so I am just looking forward to seeing how it ends.” Tuchel faces a selection headache at right-back after Quansah’s two-match suspension was confirmed.
Haaland and Ødegaard threats
Saka knows Norway’s danger men well from club football: Erling Haaland (62 goals in 54 internationals) and Martin Ødegaard, his Arsenal captain. “He’s been great. He’s been in good form, not just him, his teammates, too,” Saka said of Ødegaard. “We’ll focus on them as a collective, because they’re in good form, and they’ve been good this tournament. But we know our strengths and we’re focused on winning the game.” Defender Nico O’Reilly added: “Erling’s Erling. We all know what he’s like. He can score goals, he’s dangerous in the box and he’s a real threat. But they need to get the ball there first.”
Miami heat a factor
Temperatures in Miami are forecast to exceed 34°C with high humidity at the Hard Rock Stadium, which lacks air conditioning. Thunderstorms could also cause delays. England spent over a week in Florida before the tournament to acclimatise. “It’s going to be hot,” admitted O’Reilly. “Up to now we’ve played in cool conditions but we’re ready for it. We did our pre-camp over there. So I think we’ll acclimatise well to the weather.” Four England players – O’Reilly, Marc Guéhi, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice – are one yellow card away from suspension.
