Saka admits fitness gamble but says he is ready for England's World Cup opener against Croatia

Bukayo Saka says he is ready to play for England despite a persistent achilles injury picked up in March, though Thomas Tuchel has flagged his fitness is being closely monitored. The Arsenal forward has completed 90 minutes only once in his last five appearances and came off the bench in England's final warm-up. Whether he starts against Croatia remains an open question. Saka is one of England's most important creative players, and his availability — or the degree to which he can be relied upon — shapes how Tuchel sets up for the tournament.