Bukayo Saka on his fitness, facing Odegaard and the Arsenal star he is ‘very proud’ of | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka says he has been managed in “the best way possible” at this World Cup.

The Arsenal winger came into the tournament still struggling with an Achilles issue and started just one of England’s first four games of the competition.

But he returned to the starting 11 for the round of 16 win over Mexico, setting up Jude Bellingham’s opening goal, and says he is feeling back to his usual self.

“Of course, I would have loved to come to this tournament 100 per cent, but that wasn’t the case and everyone’s realised that,” Saka explained. “They’ve managed me in the best way possible. But right now, I’m feeling great and I’m ready to go.

“Each game has been unique for me, but my mindset doesn’t really change much. Whether I come on or I start, I just try and do what the game needs, whether it needs a goal, whether it needs the team to defend, whatever it needs. It’s about winning. That’s my mindset.”

Next up for England is a quarter-final clash with Norway in which Saka will come up against club team-mate Martin Odegaard.

Asked if he had spoken to him ahead of the game, Saka said: “Briefly, but of course we’re both focused on doing the best for our countries.

“Everyone knows how much quality Martin has and what he can bring to the game. It’s important not to focus only on him because Norway as a team have been good this World Cup and we need to be prepared for the team as a whole and not just him.”

Saka also spoke of his delight for Mikel Merino, who scored the winner in Spain’s tie with Portugal following what has been a difficult few months with injury for the Spaniard.

“Amazing goal,” Saka said. “Very happy for him because I’ve seen the stuff behind the scenes, how hard he’s worked to get here.

“I don’t think he should be at the World Cup with the injury he got but he made himself get here so very proud of him and congratulations to him.”