The 2026 World Cup kicks off in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Thursday, but England’s preparations have been overshadowed by an injury scare to Bukayo Saka. Thomas Tuchel admitted the Arsenal winger is carrying an Achilles problem and is unlikely to start all matches. “He is the one we are building and taking care of in training,” Tuchel said. “Declan is on 100 per cent, Ebs is 100 per cent, Noni is 100 per cent. Bukayo is just not there yet.” Saka played through discomfort at the end of the season, managing pain to help Arsenal reach the Champions League final, but he arrived late to England’s training camp and is still being managed in training. Tuchel said it is “very unlikely” Saka starts and finishes every match from now on.
England face Costa Rica in their final friendly on Wednesday, with Tuchel planning to start what he believes will be close to his starting XI for the group opener against Croatia on June 17. Any players who do not get minutes will play a behind-closed-doors game with Miami FC on Thursday. “We have to play Costa Rica and this is very different from what Croatia will offer, but we will give players 60-70 minutes to play (and) to be ready for Croatia,” Tuchel added.
“Bukayo Saka's Achilles injury threatens England's World Cup campaign as pundits predict France to win.”
Meanwhile, BBC Sport pundits have made their tournament predictions. Alan Shearer backed France, but only “if there is no in-house fighting”. Danny Murphy also tipped France, citing their firepower in hot weather. Olivier Giroud named France and Spain as the two strongest teams. Wayne Rooney predicted an England-Spain final, with England winning. Thomas Frank said the tournament is between Brazil and England, and he is “saying England”. Micah Richards pointed to Spain, while Steph Houghton and Gael Clichy both favoured France. The tournament features 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with holders Argentina also among the contenders.
Off the pitch, Scotland will have a one-off bank holiday during the group stages of the World Cup, but it remains unclear whether England will be granted one if they win the tournament. The question hangs over a nation already fretting over Saka’s fitness as they prepare for their opening match against Croatia.