Noni Madueke odds slashed to start England's World Cup opener after Bukayo Saka update

Noni Madueke has been cut from 12/1 to 11/4 to start England's first World Cup game against Croatia with doubts around Bukayo Saka's fitness.

Saka has been managing an Achilles injury, playing through the pain barrier as Arsenal's season approached its climax, and Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel said that, unlike his club team mates who were present for the UEFA Champions League final, the 24-year-old isn't yet able to take full part in training as the World Cup draws closer.

Odds will display when market is available.

Speaking ahead of England's final friendly against Costa Rica, Tuchel said: "Declan is on 100% and Bukayo is still getting there, playing through discomfort at the end of the season, obviously managing it and playing at a high level but still not on his 100%.

"He is the one we are building and taking care of in training. Declan is 100%, Ebs is 100%, Noni is 100%.

"Bukayo is just not there yet. Some things are missing, consecutive trainings. They took very good care of him [at Arsenal] and were very aware of it and we will do a little bit the same. He is at the moment not able to do every training session through the week and then play. He is still going to be managed."

"He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly, but he was managed in between matches. That continues a bit at the moment - we are building him up.

"Arsenal brought him back [at the end of April] and he was straight away decisive. And then they decided together – Bukayo and Arsenal – to let him play through his pain and discomfort, even if it was not possible to train the whole week in the buildups. I think it is very unlikely Bukayo starts and finishes all the matches from now on."

While not having a fully fit and firing Saka would be a blow for Tuchel, England -- like most contenders for the World Cup -- have the opportunity to rotate players through what should be a fairly pedestrian group stage.

After Croatia comes clashes with Ghana and Panama, and Tuchel will hope to have top spot wrapped up with a game to spare, giving the opportunity to rest his big hitters, including Saka.

The German head coach may, however, opt to ease Saka into the tournament, starting his Gunners team mate for their opener on Wednesday.

bet365's Steve Freeth said: "Following Tuchel's update on Saka's fitness, the odds on possible replacements have tumbled, with Arsenal team mate Noni Madueke now 11/4 from 12/1 to be given the nod against Croatia."

Odds displayed in the above article were correct at time of publishing and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.