England are ready to take the final step at the World Cup, says Saka

Bukayo Saka says England have the “talent, passion and confidence” to finally win the World Cup after a series of painful near misses in major tournaments.

The Arsenal winger was part of Gareth Southgate’s side that twice fell at the final hurdle at the European Championships and reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

That came after a run to the semi-finals in Russia four years earlier.

Saka was asked on Monday at England’s training base in Kansas City what lessons the team could learn from recent tournaments ahead of the opening match against Croatia.

“I think it was a different lesson at every tournament, especially reaching two finals,” said the 24-year-old, who has 49 caps to his name.

«I think it’s mainly the belief. When I look around the team I see the talent we have, the passion, the confidence.»

«We have some real winners, some real leaders. With confidence I think we can go to the next step.»

“I’m excited,” he added. «I think all the players are in a good mood. The atmosphere around the camp is good. We are eager to get this first match underway and start our tournament.»

Saka said Arsenal’s win in the Premier League had been a big boost.

“I think for myself and the other boys at Arsenal we have the confidence and freedom with which we can approach the World Cup,” he said.

“I think this will definitely improve us.”

England boss Thomas Tuchel said last week that Saka’s fitness must be carefully managed after he struggled with an Achilles injury towards the end of the domestic season.

But the forward, who returned for the culmination of the campaign, announced he was «ready to go» ahead of Wednesday’s match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas.

England’s other two opponents in Group L are Ghana and Panama.

Published on June 16, 2026