World Cup 2026| Bukayo Saka: "I see the talent, the passion, the confidence we have in England"

England forward Bukayo Saka expressed strong confidence in his team's prospects for the upcoming World Cup, stating they possess the necessary "talent, passion, and confidence" to finally claim the title. After a series of near misses in major tournaments, including two consecutive Euro finals and a quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Saka believes the team has learned valuable lessons.

“

I think every tournament has taught us something different, especially reaching two finals.

Speaking at England's training base in Kansas City, the 24-year-old Arsenal winger reflected on the team's journey. "I think every tournament has taught us something different, especially reaching two finals," Saka said. "I think it's mainly about the confidence. When I look around the team, I see the talent we have, the passion, the confidence. We have real winners, real leaders. With confidence, I believe we can take the next step."

“

I think it's mainly about the confidence. When I look around the team, I see the talent we have, the passion, the confidence. We have real winners, real leaders. With confidence, I believe we can take the next step.

Saka, who has 49 caps for England, is eager for the tournament to begin. "I'm excited," he added. "All the players are in good spirits. The atmosphere in camp is good. We are looking forward to this first game and getting our tournament underway." He also noted that Arsenal's recent Premier League title win has provided a significant boost to his morale and that of his teammates.

“

I'm excited. All the players are in good spirits. The atmosphere in camp is good. We are looking forward to this first game and getting our tournament underway.

"I think for me and the other lads from Arsenal, we have the confidence and the freedom needed to approach the World Cup," Saka remarked. "That will definitely make us better." Despite concerns about an Achilles tendon injury that troubled him late in the season, Saka assured that he is "ready to play" in England's opening match against Croatia on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. England's other Group L opponents are Ghana and Panama.

“

I think for me and the other lads from Arsenal, we have the confidence and the freedom needed to approach the World Cup. That will definitely make us better.