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Bukayo Saka is determined to play a part in England's FIFA World Cup push this summer -Credit:Richard Pelham, Getty Images
Bukayo Saka has said that he's prepared to "gamble" on his fitness for England's FIFA World Cup aspirations.
The Arsenal winger, who is poised to earn his 50th cap against Croatia in their Group opener on Wednesday, has been battling an Achilles problem.
The injury sidelined Saka from England's March camp, and he was forced to play through discomfort during Arsenal's title chase, raising serious questions about his availability for this summer. However, Saka is determined to feature in the starting lineup, which will provide Thomas Tuchel with a significant lift for England's World Cup quest.
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-Credit:Richard Pelham, Getty Images
Saka, 24, said, via The Mirror: "As players, it's the biggest gamble, especially if you're not feeling your sharpest. You have the choice whether you don't play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.
"I'm happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I'd say. I'm going to continue doing that. At the end of the day, people don't really care how you're feeling, they expect you to deliver. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March, and I'm ready to go.
"The main focus right now is winning the World Cup. And being my best version of myself for the team."
Saka played a pivotal role in Arsenal securing their first league crown in 22 years and also believes that championship experience has elevated his self-assurance.
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He said: "Knowing what it takes to win is important and it gives you more belief. It gives you more confidence and freedom.
"When you have that success and you taste it, you want to do it again, and you can go two ways, but when I speak for myself, I'd say it's definitely feeling that I want to do it again and it gives me even more hunger."
England head coach Tuchel has indicated that Saka won't be able to feature for the full 90 minutes in every game, but the Arsenal wide man says he's content to rotate the position with club colleague Noni Madueke.
Saka, who is also looking forward to the milestone of reaching 50 international appearances, added: "Noni is like my brother and we enjoy competing and playing together. Not many players have done that, especially so young. So it's proud for me."
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