Bukayo Saka gives fitness update ahead of England's FIFA World Cup opener against Croatia - 'Happy to take the gamble'

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Bukayo Saka said he is "ready to go" ahead of England's FIFA World Cup opener against Group L rivals Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday.

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The Arsenal winger was eased back into action by his club after suffering with an Achilles injury towards the end of the season.

There have been doubts about whether Saka would be fit enough to start during the group stage of the tournament. But he gave a positive update in a pre-match press conference on Monday night.

Asked if he will be able to play a full 90 minutes, Saka said: "I don't want to say anything that goes against the manager.

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"What I would say is, between Mikel [Arteta] and Arsenal's medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and England's medical team, they've managed me amazingly and help me get back on the pitch.

"I'm feeling better than I've felt in the last few months, and I'm ready to go."

Saka admitted, though, that he has had to "gamble" with his fitness.

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"As players it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest," he said. "You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.

"At the end of the day people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform. I’m happy to take the gamble.

"It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March, and I’m ready to go."

Still only 24, Saka is set to play in his fourth major tournament for England, after agonising final defeats at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, either side of a run to the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

And he insisted The Three Lions have what it takes to go all the way under Thomas Tuchel in North America.

"I think with each tournament it was a different lesson, especially reaching two finals," he said.

"I think it's mainly the belief. When I look around in the team I see the talent we have, the passion, the confidence.

"We have some real winners, some real leaders. With belief I think we can go to the next step.

"I'm excited. I think all the players are in good spirits. The vibe around the camp is good. We're just itching to get this first game under way and start our tournament."

Saka is one of four Arsenal players in England's squad for the World Cup, along with Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.

He suggested their experience of Premier League title success - as well as a run to the UEFA Champions League final - could help the team's pursuit of the World Cup.

"I think for myself and the other boys from Arsenal, we have a confidence and a freedom that we can approach the World Cup in," he added.

"I think that will definitely improve us."

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