Bukayo Saka has said he wanted to play ‘more’ at the World Cup for England and insisted he is fit.
Saka was an unused substitute as England exited the World Cup against Argentina in midweek, with ongoing concerns around the Arsenal winger’s fitness.
The 24-year-old returned to the side for the 6-4 bronze final win over France on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick as the Three Lions sealed third place. His performance has raised questions around Thomas Tuchel’s selections and his lack of involvement against Argentina.
Speaking at full-time, Saka said he has no concerns about his fitness.
“Of course, I would love to have played more,” Saka told the BBC.
“But of course, it’s not the time to talk about out that now. I try to do my talking on the pitch. It’s done now. Move on.”
Asked specifically if he felt fit and ready to return to Arsenal for pre-season, Saka added: “Yeah. I’m fit. I’m fit.”
Tuchel discussed his decision to leave Saka out against Argentina and said he had a ‘feeling’ that Morgan Rogers, who assisted England’s goal, would have an impact.
“He did everything right,” Tuchel said when discussing Saka.
“I had just a feeling in the semi-final for Morgan Rogers that he would be involved in something special. That was it.
“The [Argentina] game was so in demand that we were forced into changes because of cramps and flow of the game.
“Bukayo showed he was a key player, that was never a doubt. I was not even aware he had a hat-trick [against France]. I lost the overview of the goalscorers.”
