John Barnes Highlights Bukayo Saka's Key Challenge for 2026 World Cup: Why Goals Aren't the Main Concern
England great John Barnes shared his thoughts in an exclusive chat with GOAL, focusing on what might hold back Bukayo Saka during the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal winger, fresh off a Premier League title win, faces tough physical challenges that could affect his role on the international stage.
Carrying Injury Into the Tournament
Saka celebrated as Arsenal clinched their first English top-flight title in over two decades, and he also appeared in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, which ended in heartbreak after penalties. Despite his undeniable quality when fit, recent months have been marred by physical problems, including a persistent Achilles issue that's lingered into the World Cup.
He started England’s campaign on the bench against Croatia, with teammate Noni Madueke taking the right wing spot. Saka has yet to participate fully in training ahead of England’s upcoming match against Ghana.
Is Saka Still England’s First Choice on the Right Wing?
"It’s his fitness. His form for Arsenal has been excellent, but it comes down to how fit he is," Barnes told GOAL. "Madueke is fit, so he might be ahead at this moment. Thomas Tuchel will know exactly how much Saka can contribute. From a quality standpoint, we all see his talent. Fitness is the key question about whether he starts for England or not."
Does Saka Need More Goals for Club and Country?
Last season, injuries limited Saka to 11 goals across all competitions, seven of them in the Premier League. When asked if improving his goal tally should be a priority, Barnes said:
"His goal output doesn’t matter if the team wins the league. If England lifts the World Cup and he doesn’t score, that’s fine. What matters is being part of a winning team. It’s not about individual numbers. If he scores more and Marcus Rashford scores more, Harry Kane might score less. The focus is on playing together, creating chances for players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. That’s what Thomas Tuchel values—team performance over personal stats."
Handling Saka’s Fitness With Care
Tuchel has expressed caution regarding Saka's condition, avoiding unnecessary risks during the tournament. After bringing him on late against Croatia, where he helped set up Marcus Rashford’s goal in a 4-2 victory, Tuchel remarked:
"Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. By our last group game, he should be ready."
Whether Saka will be fit enough to play against Panama remains unclear. Over the weekend, he trained separately indoors while the rest of the squad prepared outside.
World Cup Fans Celebrate With Iconic Football Haircuts
To capture the spirit of the 2026 World Cup, viagogo, the leading live event ticket marketplace, launched 'World Cuts' at Ruffians Barber Shop in Shoreditch. Fans chose their favorite football stars and got legendary tournament-inspired hairstyles.
Manchester United superfan Frank Ilett ended his hair-growing journey by adopting three famous World Cup looks: Carlos Valderrama’s curls, David Beckham’s mohawk, and Chris Waddle’s mullet.
