Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka has parried worries over his fitness status, after playing as a second half substitute in England’s first game at this year’s FIFA World Cup, Sports247 reports.
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The Nigerian-born winger got off England’s bench in the 72nd minute of Wednesday’s high-octane game and provided an assist to Marcus Rashford for their last goal in a 4-2 win over Croatia.
He stated afterwards that he is ready to play longer minutes for England, starting with their second fixture versus Ghana, who defeated Panama 1-0 also on Wednesday.
Saka showed some zeal, as England dumped Croatia 4-2 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas in their Group L opener and The Three Lions got deserved revenge for their loss to the same country during the Russia 2018 semi-finals.
The Gunners’ winger was intially a major worry ahead of Wednesday’s game, as he is still recovering from a nagging achilles injury that he picked up earlier this season with his club, but Saka said he is feeling much better.
He went on to emphasise that he is ready to play the next game from the start, as he is eager to defy all odds, but admitted that it all depends on The Lions’ coach, Thomas Tuchel, who decides the squad’s line-up.
“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager. But what I would say between Mikel (Arteta) and Arsenal, since March, they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch.
“I am feeling better than I have felt for the last few months. I am ready to go. As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest. You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you.
“I’m happy to take the gamble. It (often pays) 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,” Saka submitted philosophically.
Sports247 reports further that it’s now left to be seen if Tuchel will consider Saka fit enough to start against Ghana next week in England’s second game of the ongoing Mundial in USA, Canada and Mexico.
