“We push each other”: Saka embraces fight with Arsenal teammate Madueke for England place | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka has said he and Noni Madueke 'push each other' to improve as the pair compete for a place for England and Arsenal.

Saka and Madueke are in the rare position as club teammates who are competing for the same position at international level.

Thomas Tuchel has named Saka and Madueke as his options for the right-wing at this summer'sWorld Cup, with both battling to be named in the team for tomorrow's opening fixture against Croatia.

It's a rivalry that has continued from club level, after Madueke made the move to Arsenal from Chelsea last summer. The duo helped the Gunners to Premier League title success last season.

Despite the competition, Saka has said their personal battle has no impact on the close relationship between them. The 24-year-old said Madueke is 'like a brother' and that each wishes only the best for the other.

"It's quite unique, two players that play in the same position to be as close as we are,"Saka said.

"I don't really know how it works, but it works. Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch. We push each other and we speak every day.

"We have that mutual respect for each other and we want each other to do well.

"The good thing is that we play on the same team and that if one of us is doing well it is good for the other."