Bukayo Saka was the only England player not in group training on Saturday, spending the session indoors on an individual programme as he continues to manage an Achilles issue that has troubled him since March. The Arsenal winger, who came off the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia and provided an assist, is being handled with caution by head coach Thomas Tuchel, who has made clear the 24-year-old is unlikely to start until the final Group L game against Panama on 27 June.
“Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready,” Tuchel said. “I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready.” Saka, who has admitted he is prepared to “gamble” on his fitness, is expected to be available for Tuesday’s match against Ghana in Boston but will probably start on the bench again, with Noni Madueke likely to retain his place on the right flank.
“Bukayo Saka missed England training with an Achilles issue; Rashford and Rice trained after injury doubts.”
England’s preparation was not without other concerns. Marcus Rashford, who scored England’s fourth against Croatia after coming on as a substitute, reported a minor muscular problem after the match, while Declan Rice went off in the 72nd minute with discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring. Both trained normally on Saturday, easing fears over their availability. Rashford, competing with Anthony Gordon for a starting spot on the left, looked in good shape as Tuchel ran passing drills, while Rice appeared to move freely.
Jude Bellingham, who scored England’s third goal against Croatia, reflected on his growth with the national team. “My responsibility to my team and to my country is to give everything I have,” he told Fifa. “It’s been a gradual process into being where I am with the England squad. I wore the captain’s armband for the first time in the friendlies which means I’m on a good path and I know I can contribute whether it be from the starting XI, from the bench.”
England face Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST) with both sides having won their opening Group L matches. Tuchel, who has an almost clean bill of health, will be encouraged by the return of Rashford and Rice, but the fitness of Saka remains a subplot. As former player Chris Sutton argued, “It’s going to be a squad game at the World Cup.”