England prepares for friendly against Costa Rica amid Saka fitness concerns

The Guardian Sport1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 7:52 AM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

England prepares for friendly against Costa Rica amid Saka fitness concerns
Summary

England is set to face Costa Rica in a friendly in Orlando as part of their World Cup preparations. Concerns have been raised regarding Bukayo Saka's fitness, as he has not yet been able to train consistently. Thomas Tuchel noted that Saka is being managed closely, with other late-arriving players like Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze nearing full fitness. The friendly represents the team's last opportunity to finalize their strategies ahead of the tournament this summer.

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  • England to play Costa Rica in a friendly in Orlando
  • Bukayo Saka's fitness under scrutiny before World Cup
  • Thomas Tuchel says Saka is not fully fit yet
  • Other Arsenal late-arrivers are approaching peak condition
  • Final warmup match before the World Cup begins this summer
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  • 7:52 AMThe Guardian SportWorld Cup 2026 news: England gear up for friendly, Infantino warns LA of ‘happy barbarians’, Messi scores on return – live
What they're saying
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News and buildup as World Cup countdown continues Player guide | Bracketology | Wallchart | Mail Tom England are gearing up for their final pre-tournament warmup, against Costa Rica in Orlando, with notes of caution being sounded about Bukayo Saka’s fitness. Thomas Tuchel said that while Saka’s fellow Arsenal late-arrivers Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were pretty much up to speed, “Bukayo is just not there yet. Some things are missing … consecutive trainings. They took very good care of him [at Arsenal] and were very aware of it and we will do a little bit the same. He is at the moment not able to do every training session through the week and then play. He is still going to be managed”. David Hytner has the full story: Continue reading...

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