Bukayo Saka is back on the bench for England’s Round of 32 tie against DR Congo with Noni Madueke getting the nod again.Saka started England’s final group game and played 63 minutes, providing the assist for Jude Bellingham’s opener.Saka isn’t available to start at this moment in timeGettyIt was his first start of the tournament with Madueke being picked ahead of him for the Croatia and Ghana games.Arsenal star Saka arrived to the pre-World Cup training camp late due to being given extra time off after the Champions League final.He played 18 minutes against Croatia and 25 minutes against Ghana but has now found himself back among the substitutes as England begin their knockout phase.Why is Saka not playing?Saka has been managing an Achilles problem for the majority of 2026.So far in America, the 24-year-old has only been taking part in certain sessions and has been undergoing individual training.His match load has been carefully managed every step of the way and that appears to be continuing into the knockout stages at the World Cup.Saka has provided two assists at the showpiece tournament so far, more than any other England player.England boss Thomas Tuchel has stressed about have ‘starters’ and ‘finishers’ so the Arsenal man will likely still have a key role to play against Congo.Saka’s fitness is being managed at the World Cup so farGettyWhat has Tuchel said?Speaking about Saka ahead of the Panama match, Tuchel said: “He seems to be more and more ready and will hopefully push. We will then see.“It’s not like Bukayo comes back and everything is solved and I don’t want to put this on his back.“He’s a top player, that’s why he’s with us, and he will get his minutes. We need him desperately, like every other player, in top shape.“But everyone is doing their best and it’s not the moment to shout individual names to help us out. We’re in a good place still.”Tuchel also said prior to the Ghana match: “Bukayo is getting better and better. He is more and more free in his movements. He feels no more pain.“He was able to do both our training sessions on the last two days on the highest levels. He is ready to go.”With Saka back on the bench, Madueke and Marcus Rashford are set to start either side of Harry Kane against DR Congo.If England win the Round of 32 tie, they will face a quick turnaround for their last 16 tie, facing hosts Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday.World Cup WhatsAppDon't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings. Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.