Why is Bukayo Saka not in the starting line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between England and Croatia?

Bukayo Saka was not named in the England starting line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas.

The 24-year-old right winger won the Premier League title with Arsenal this season and played in the UEFA Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Saka struggled with an Achilles tendon injury in the final weeks of the season and only played in the friendly against Costa Rica in the run-up to the quadrennial event. He is said to have picked up the problem during the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

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«I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager. But what I would say between Mikel (Arteta) and the Arsenal medical team and the England medical team: since March they have managed me wonderfully and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.»

«I feel better than I have felt in recent months. I am ready to go,» Saka said when asked about Thomas Tuchel, referring to England managing the winger’s minutes.

Published on June 18, 2026