Thomas Tuchel says England must handle Bukayo Saka with care as the squad prepares for a World Cup campaign in which the players should still allow themselves to aim high.
The England head coach admitted that history does not favour the 1966 winners, but he believes his team can become serious contenders with the right focus, confidence and a little fortune in key moments. For Tuchel, keeping the squad’s most important players fit could prove decisive, and Saka is clearly part of that group.
The Arsenal winger missed part of the final stage of the club season because of an Achilles problem, although he returned in time to help Arsenal complete their Premier League title run. Saka has scored 14 goals in 48 England appearances, and Tuchel said the 24 year old still needs careful management before the tournament begins.
Saka remains involved as England build fitness
Speaking before England’s final warm up match against Costa Rica on Wednesday at 21:00 BST, Tuchel said Saka’s workload is still being controlled.
“We still have to take a little bit of care for Bukayo Saka, who had an injury in March and carried it through the club campaign,” Tuchel told reporters.
“He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly, but he was managed in between matches. That continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up.
“We just came from training and everyone was involved, including Bukayo.”
Tuchel said he will assess Saka and the rest of the squad before deciding his starting line up for the Costa Rica match. England beat New Zealand 1:0 on Saturday, with Tuchel making 11 changes at half time. This time, several players are expected to get longer on the pitch as England move closer to their tournament opener against Croatia on 17 June.
Stones could get more minutes before Croatia opener
John Stones is one of the players who may benefit from extra minutes after playing only a limited role for Manchester City last season. Tuchel said the defender is fit and available, like the rest of the squad.
“Of course Stones can start. Everyone can start. Everyone is fit and ready, and John is one of them,” Tuchel said.
The England manager added that the team still have two matches to play before the World Cup begins and that the main target is to arrive at the Croatia game with full availability.
“No one needs a break. Everyone is available, which is very good news. No injury complaints after the first match,” he said.
Tuchel explained that England had one recovery day and two strong training sessions after facing New Zealand. Against Costa Rica, he plans to give some players 60 or even 70 minutes, with final decisions to be made later in the day.
Tuchel says England are challengers, not favourites
Tuchel insisted England should not be viewed as the clear favourites to win the World Cup at the end of July, despite reaching the last two European Championship finals and regularly going deep in major tournaments.
“If you get to two Euros finals, and reach semi finals and quarter finals of the World Cup, then you are there. Then you can win it,” the 52 year old said.
He added that England are close enough to compete for the trophy, but their long wait since 1966 means they cannot be placed above everyone else.
“I strongly believe we are there, but I also believe we are not the favourites because of the history,” Tuchel said. “We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way, but I don’t think we are the heavy favourites.”
Tuchel compared the situation to a player arriving at Wimbledon without a title for 60 years. Such a player may not be the favourite, he said, but winning would still be possible. For England, the key is to stay calm, take the tournament one step at a time and avoid looking too far ahead.
“We know what it takes, and it also requires a calm mindset and focus on our steps,” Tuchel said. “I have belief. We all have belief and a dream. But it comes with hard work, responsibility, commitment and discipline, and sometimes disappointment. That is all part of it. But we dare to dream, and that is important.”
FA support helps Tuchel keep focus on football
Tuchel also thanked the Football Association for allowing him to keep his attention on football while political issues continue to affect the build up to the tournament.
Fifa has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be involved at the World Cup after being denied entry to the United States on Monday. There have also been several visa problems connected to Iran’s participation in recent days.
Tuchel said he was grateful to the FA for helping him separate those matters from the team’s preparation.
“I’m grateful to the FA for letting me separate politics and football and talk about football, because we need to be focused,” he said.
The England coach added that the squad cannot afford to lose concentration before such an important tournament, especially with the Croatia opener now close.
