England has the ingredients to go far in 2026 World Cup: Saka

Bukayo Saka is confident that England possesses all the necessary ingredients to win the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal winger stated that the Three Lions now have sufficient talent, spirit, and self-belief to make the final push for the world title.

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I think every tournament gives different lessons, especially when we managed to reach two finals. I think the most important thing is belief in our own abilities. When I look at my teammates, I see the talent we have, the high spirit, and strong confidence. We have many players who know how to win and many leaders in the team. With that confidence, I believe we can go to the next level.

Saka was a key player during Gareth Southgate's tenure, which saw England reach two consecutive European Championship finals and the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Prior to that, England also reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, their best performance in decades.

When asked about lessons learned from past tournaments ahead of the opening match against Croatia, Saka emphasized confidence as the primary factor. "I think every tournament gives different lessons, especially when we managed to reach two finals," he said. "I think the most important thing is belief in our own abilities. When I look at my teammates, I see the talent we have, the high spirit, and strong confidence. We have many players who know how to win and many leaders in the team. With that confidence, I believe we can go to the next level."

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I'm very excited. All the players are in high spirits. The atmosphere in the camp is very positive. We can't wait to start the first match and begin this World Cup campaign.

Saka also acknowledged the excellent atmosphere within the England camp. "I'm very excited. All the players are in high spirits. The atmosphere in the camp is very positive. We can't wait to start the first match and begin this World Cup campaign," he said. He further explained that Arsenal's recent Premier League title win has significantly boosted his morale and that of his teammates from the club. "For me and the other Arsenal players, we come to the World Cup with greater confidence and freedom. I believe that will help improve our performance."

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For me and the other Arsenal players, we come to the World Cup with greater confidence and freedom. I believe that will help improve our performance.

England manager Thomas Tuchel had previously admitted that Saka's fitness needed close monitoring after he sustained an Achilles tendon injury late in the domestic season. However, Saka, who returned to play towards the end of the season, asserted that he is fully ready to play in the match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas. "I am ready to play," he stated briefly. England will begin their Group L campaign against Croatia before facing Ghana and Panama in their quest for a second world title since their historic triumph in 1966.

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I am ready to play.