Bukayo Saka trained with the England squad on Sunday, giving Thomas Tuchel a timely fitness boost ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup match against Ghana in Boston. The Arsenal attacker had only done individual work on Saturday because of an Achilles tendinitis issue that has troubled him for some time. He started on the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, and Tuchel has said Saka is unlikely to be in contention to start until the third group game against Panama.
England’s preparations have not been without doubt. They won both final warm-ups in Florida — 1-0 against New Zealand and 3-0 against Costa Rica, who did not qualify for the tournament. But a pair of friendlies in March against Uruguay and Japan offered little encouragement. England failed to beat either side, and their football was described as “stodgily unimaginative” in one analysis, with Tuchel’s players “fruitlessly chasing opponents who were cleverer, more tactically and technically astute”.
“Bukayo Saka trained with England squad on Sunday while three Scotland players missed training before Brazil match.”
Tuchel, the German manager appointed to succeed Gareth Southgate, has made a controversial squad selection, prioritising balance and specific roles over reputation. He has an excellent coaching record and a knack for effecting rapid change, though his relationships with club hierarchies have often soured. England are third favourites with bookmakers to win the World Cup, yet the grim sense of familiarity from the March friendlies has tempered optimism.
Meanwhile, Scotland face their own fitness concerns. Three Scotland players missed training ahead of their Group C decider against Brazil, according to reports from their camp. With both sides preparing for crucial matches, the physical condition of key individuals could prove decisive in the days ahead.