Soccer
Bukayo Saka is “feeling great and ready to go” ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has featured in all five of England’s games at the tournament so far, but he has started only two of those games as he recovers from an Achilles injury.
Despite playing only 192 minutes, Saka’s three assists can only be bettered by Michael Olise (five), Bruno Guimaraes and Brahim Diaz (both four) at this year’s edition.
In England’s win over Mexico, Saka became the third Arsenal player to record 3+ assists at a single World Cup, after Dennis Bergkamp in 1998 (three) and Martin Odegaard at this tournament (three).
Saka is now raring to go against Norway, and ready to do what is required for the team.
“Across the tournament, my minutes have been building and building,” said Saka. “Of course, I would’ve loved to have come to this tournament 100 per cent, but that wasn’t the case.
“Everyone’s realised that and they’ve managed me in the best way possible. Right now, I’m feeling great and I’m ready to go.
“Whether I start or play, I just try and do what the game needs, whether it needs a goal or the team to defend. It’s about winning.”
Pushing forward pic.twitter.com/deqtQOw4H0
— England (@England) July 9, 2026
Norway and England have met 12 times previously, with this their first encounter since a 1-0 friendly win for the Three Lions in September 2014.
Overall, Norway have won just two of those 12 matches (D3 L7), failing to score in any of their last four.
England, however, have been eliminated from five of their last six World Cup knockout round matches against European opposition and each of their last three in succession.
Saka, who revealed he has spoken to Norway captain and Arsenal team-mate Martin Odegaard, believes the Three Lions must move on from their win over Mexico and focus on Norway.
“I spoke to him [Odegaard] briefly, but we’re both really focused and we know how much of a big opportunity it is for our countries and I’m looking forward to the game,” added Saka.
“We [England] discussed that we need to put the drama and the emotions of the Mexico behind us now.
“We believe and we’ve believed from the start. The belief was more for the people back home and them seeing us go through the adversity and come out on top was important for all of us.
“Our spirits are high and we need to take that into the next game.
“We’ve soaked in all the praise and everything that came with it, but now we need to focus on Norway, which is going to be another tough challenge.
“A different challenge, but we’re fully focused and positive that we’ll win on Saturday.”
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