Thomas Tuchel delivers concerning update on key England player ahead of World Cup opener

England head coach Thomas Tuchel made a worrying claim about an England player's fitness in a press conference ahead of the Three Lions' final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica.

Tuchel will oversee England's final warm-up match against Costa Rica, which will take place at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday (June 10).

Unlike during Saturday's (June 6) 1-0 win over New Zealand, Tuchel will have Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka available after they joined the squad late due to playing in the Champions League final.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha will leave the England camp having put in a Man of the Match performance during the second half of the Three Lions' first warm-up match.

Ngumoha was among four players – alongside Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri and Josh King – who helped the 26-man World Cup squad prepare in Florida.

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As expected, during Tuesday's press conference, Tuchel was asked for his thoughts on several players, including defender John Stones, who he insisted would be ready to start in England's opener against Croatia on June 17 despite his recurring fitness issues in recent years.

He also praised Stones' Manchester City team-mate Nico O'Reilly, saying: "There is no doubt that Nico will become a top player," while also stating that he believes Rice is "one of the best midfielders in Europe".

Tuchel admits Saka injury concerns

Turning his attention to Saka, Tuchel admitted concerns have emerged over the winger's fitness, with the German explaining that the medical department "have to take a little bit of care" because he has been carrying an injury since March.

Tuchel did not elaborate on the extent of Saka's injury, which will concern England supporters.

The 24-year-old, who has 48 caps, struggled with hamstring, hip and Achilles tendon injuries throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Later in the press conference, Tuchel was asked why he thinks England have failed to win a World Cup since their maiden triumph in 1966, to which he replied: "It's maybe not one reason, but I think in recent tournaments that England have been there. Once you reach the quarter-finals, you can win any competition. That is my opinion.

"I think it's important not to try to digest this whole tournament in one piece and to focus on what we can influence. First it is the prep camp, then we will take care of the group stage. This is only how I know it and how I approached it in club football.

"Once you arrive in the quarter-final, then you can go all the way and the belief will be there. There has to be a lot of work done and respect for our opponents. Don't underestimate the amount of luck you need."

He then revealed that he thinks Portugal are among the favourites due to the Paris Saint-Germain players in their ranks.

"They are one of the favourites," he said. "They have a strong football team, a strong coach and strong players."

England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.