Arsenal star Bukayo Saka makes England feelings clear after Thomas Tuchel comments

Bukayo Saka insists he's relishing his return to the England fold after racking up yet another milestone for Arsenal. The 24-year-old attacker's thunderous penalty against West Ham means he's now registered 100 goal contributions (55 goals, 45 assists) in 200 Premier League appearances.

Thomas Tuchel has already displayed his ruthless streak as Three Lions boss - dropping Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham from his squad this week - and Saka has now made it known that he is itching to make an impact for his country as he bids to make up for lost time.

He said: "I'm really happy to be back playing for England. I've missed a lot of fixtures under Thomas Tuchel which I'm not happy with as a lot of them have been due to injuries.

"I'm really happy that I get a chance to come back to St George's Park, train with the team and play with the team. I'm looking forward to it."

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka makes Arsenal pledge as Viktor Gyokeres dressing room verdict issued

READ MORE: Declan Rice's five-word message after Arsenal injury concern against West Ham

Following his squad announcement, Tuchel was asked if Saka would have missed out had Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke not injured his knee against Manchester City. The German replied: “I’m saying there’s a chance. It’s very likely I wouldn’t have, but you will never know now.”

Pressed further and asked whether Saka would have understood the decision, Tuchel continued: “He would have had no other choice.”

England host Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday before the visit of Latvia in a World Cup qualifier. Saka, who has already recovered from a hamstring strain this season, shook off a blow to the left ankle on Saturday to get himself onto the scoresheet. The Gunners talisman is ready to keep battling through the pain barrier.

He continued: "It's part of it. I have blood on my hand, my nose is bleeding, my shorts are all blood, then after they say that I'm limping. It's a compliment. As a creative player, a winger that wants to dribble, you're going to get kicked. It's up to you. You have a choice. Do you get on with it or do you go down? I always make the choice to continue."

Saka has played just one of the past nine England matches due to being sidelined by injury. His impeccable international record, 12 goals in 44 Three Lions appearances, speaks for itself and he remains a must-pick for Tuchel ahead of next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Incredibly, he has only been part of one camp under Tuchel to date and that was soured by the shock 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal at the City Ground in June at the end of last season.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.