England has successfully secured its place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But questions over Bukayo Saka’s fitness continue to dominate discussions following the Three Lions’ group-stage campaign.
The Arsenal winger made his first start of the tournament in England’s 2-0 victory over Panama after being used as a substitute in the opening matches against Croatia and Ghana.
While England has finished top of Group L with seven points, concerns have been raised about the 24-year-old still being carefully managed after an Achilles problem that affected the closing stages of his club season.
England manager (Thomas Tuchel) had previously acknowledged that Saka was unable to train on consecutive days during England’s preparations.
He had also said he would carefully manage Saka’s workload.
The manner later confirmed the winger was fit to start against Panama after progress was made through training over time.
Saka’s tournament involvement has reflected that cautious approach.
He came off the bench to provide an assist for Marcus Rashford during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia before featuring for the final 30 minutes of the goalless draw against Ghana.
His start against Panama marked the first time the team manger Thomas Tuchel had entrusted him with a place in the starting lineup during the competition.
Although England secured a comfortable victory over Panama through goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, the performance reignited debate over the effectiveness of England’s large players.
The breakthrough did not arrive until Bellingham opened the scoring, before the midfielder later set up Kane to seal the result and send England into the Round of 32 as group winners.
Following the match, a former England defender Gary Neville expressed concern over Saka’s condition during an episode of Stick to Football.
He said’
“Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all,”
“He’s usually the boy that’s bubbling and smiling, he’s got that competitive edge to him, but he’s not right and that’s a concern to us I think.”
Neville’s assessment was echoed by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who questioned whether England may have accelerated Saka’s return too quickly.
Wright commented during the same Stick to Football episode discussion
“We’re going into a World Cup, and still not starting the first few games, only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know – this guy needs a break,”
Those concerns come after Saka admitted during England’s pre-tournament media session that he was prepared to take risks in order to represent England despite not feeling completely sharp.
“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 the same.
He further said
“I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver.”
Saka’s willingness to play through discomfort mirrors how Arsenal managed his workload during the final months of the Premier League season.
His minutes were carefully monitored after the Achilles issue emerged, with the winger completing a full 90 minutes only once from mid-March until the end of the campaign.
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England’s attacking balance has also become a talking point heading into the knockout rounds.
Among all this development Tuchel rotated his options throughout the group stage, handing starts to Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke before introducing Marcus Rashford and Saka into the lineup against Panama.
Despite progressing without defeat, England’s performances from wide areas have attracted scrutiny.
“I can’t remember too many tournaments where you’re feeling like you’re on the edge. I feel like that’s normal,” Wright said.
“But there are a lot of people in the England squad who are not up to speed. Our wingers, and the way we depend on the wingers, are not doing well enough.”
Roy Keane also challenged England’s attacking players to make a greater impact as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
“The wingers need to grab their opportunity. These players haven’t quite grabbed their opportunity yet. In the group games, you can maybe slip up in one of them, but now at least one of them has to start turning up,” Keane said.
England will now face DR Congo in the Round of 32, with victory setting up a last-16 meeting against either Mexico or Ecuador.
For Tuchel, the challenge extends beyond navigating the knockout bracket.
Now, managing Saka’s fitness while maintaining England’s attacking threat could prove just as important if the Three Lions are to mount a serious challenge for the World Cup title.
