Bukayo Saka has declared himself fit and ready for England's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, insisting he is willing to keep taking a calculated risk with his Achilles injury to represent his country.

The Arsenal winger has been managing a persistent Achilles problem since March — one that forced him to miss the March international break and seven club matches — before returning to help Arsenal claim the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

Saka's readiness despite injury concerns

England manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken openly about the need to protect Saka, suggesting it is "very unlikely" the 24-year-old would play the full duration of every World Cup match. Yet Saka himself struck a confident tone when addressing his availability for the tournament opener.

"Between Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch," Saka said. "I'm feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I'm ready to go."

Saka played 27 minutes of England's warm-up victory over Costa Rica, with Tuchel carefully monitoring his minutes. The winger was also substituted during the UEFA Champions League final, which Arsenal lost to Paris-St Germain in Budapest, with the scores level at the moment of his exit.

The gamble of playing through pain

Saka's display in the Champions League final drew criticism, but the winger is philosophical about being assessed while carrying a knock. He described the decision to play through injury as the biggest risk a footballer can take.

"People don't really care how you're feeling — they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform," Saka said. "I'm happy to take that gamble and it paid off I'd say, and I'm going to continue doing that. But I'm feeling a lot better than I did in March and I'm ready to go, so I'm excited."

The England appearance against Croatia will be Saka's 50th cap for the Three Lions.

Friendly rivals: Saka and Madueke

Saka faces competition for his starting berth on the right wing from Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke. Despite both players chasing game-time at club and international level, Saka insists their relationship remains one of genuine mutual support.

"It's quite unique, two players that play in the same position to be as close as we are," Saka said. "Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch. We push each other and we speak every day. We want each other to do well — and the good thing is that if one of us is doing well, it is good for the other."