England are facing a fitness concern over Bukayo Saka as the World Cup approaches, with Thomas Tuchel acknowledging that the winger is not yet fully fit. Saka has been managing an Achilles injury sustained in March, and Tuchel confirmed that the team is taking a cautious approach with the Arsenal star.
Speaking ahead of England's final warm-up match against Costa Rica, Tuchel said: "We still have to take a little bit of care with Bukayo, who had an injury in March and carried it through to the club. 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."
Saka's Fitness a Concern
Saka has been training with the squad but is not participating in every session. Tuchel added: "We just came from training, and everyone was involved, including Bukayo. We have to decide in the afternoon who starts and how many minutes we give."
The injury has been lingering for three months, and England are keen to ensure Saka is ready for their opening group match against Croatia on June 17.
Tuchel: England Not Favourites
Thomas Tuchel has played down expectations, insisting that England are not the favourites to win the World Cup. The German coach, who took charge of the Three Lions earlier this year, believes there are teams with more proven success in the tournament.
"How many favourites are there? No, we're not the top favourites. We can't be because we haven't won it for so many years," Tuchel said. "There are proven winners in the tournament with more success. We compete, we dream big, and we know what it takes. Responsibility is on the effort, and that is where the focus is. We see ourselves as competitors and challengers."
England have not won the World Cup since 1966, and Tuchel is keen to manage expectations while still aiming for glory.
England's Final Friendly Against Costa Rica
England face Costa Rica in their final pre-tournament friendly on Wednesday night at the Orlando City Stadium. Tuchel wants to see a step up in performance after a 1-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday.
"Tomorrow, we expect a physical push. Physically, with intensity and style of play. We want to take the next step, and we feel ready for it," Tuchel said.
The match will give Tuchel a chance to finalise his starting lineup for the World Cup opener against Croatia. One key decision is whether Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will start in midfield.
Other World Cup News
Scotland's World Cup Preparations
Scotland are counting down to their opening game against Haiti on Sunday. First Minister John Swinney has vowed to help Scottish fans facing ESTA issues, while veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, said he thought this opportunity had passed him by.
Controversy Surrounding the Tournament
The World Cup has already seen its share of drama. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States, with the White House citing a "very good reason." Iran's ticket allocation has been withdrawn, and the team is based in Mexico due to visa issues. Protests are planned in Mexico City on the opening day, and an earthquake hit Orlando during England's preparations.
Injury Updates
Neymar is making good progress from a calf injury and could be fit for Brazil's opener against Morocco. Lionel Messi is set to play in Argentina's final friendly against Iceland. Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen suffered a hip injury scare in a warm-up match.
FIFA Investigation
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into FIFA over allegedly misleading fans about seat locations for World Cup matches.
