England’s Saka and Rashford Face Fitness Doubts Before Ghana World Cup Match
England manager Thomas Tuchel reported that winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start the World Cup group match against Ghana due to ongoing Achilles tendinitis, with plans to rest him until the final group game. Marcus Rashford is also managing minor hip discomfort after scoring off the bench against Croatia, missing a closed-door friendly. Anthony Gordon may replace him. Harry Kane is expected to start despite minor cramping. England leads Group L ahead of their match in Kansas City.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
England Starts Saka and Rashford, Rest Declan Rice for Panama World Cup Match
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several changes to the starting lineup for the team's final World Cup Group L match against Panama on Saturday. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford get their first starts of the tournament, replacing Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon after a lackluster 0-0 draw with Ghana. The full-back positions also see changes, with Reece James and Djed Spence replaced by Jarell Quansah on the right and Nico O'Reilly on the left. Notably, midfielder Declan Rice is benched, with Morgan Rogers stepping into the number 10 role behind Harry Kane. Jude Bellingham drops back to play in a double pivot alongside Elliot Anderson. England currently has 4 points and is ensured to finish no worse than the best third-placed team.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuRashford Starts for England Against Panama as Gordon Dropped
England face Panama in the final matchday of World Cup qualifying Group L, with manager Thomas Tuchel making notable changes to the starting lineup. Marcus Rashford replaces Anthony Gordon, who drops to the bench after starting against Croatia and Ghana. New Barcelona signing Gordon is among several changes, with Declan Rice also benched. Bukayo Saka makes his first start on the right wing instead of Madueke. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane remain as key references. England currently have four points and need a win to secure top spot in the group. The other decisive match in Group L sees Ghana (4 points) face Croatia (3 points). The England lineup features Pickford in goal, a defense of Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, and O'Reilly, with Anderson and Bellingham in midfield, and an attack of Saka, Rogers, Rashford, and Kane.
FútbolTuchel: Saka pain free and ready to start against Panama; James out with hamstring injury
England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is fully fit and ready to start in England's final World Cup group stage match against Panama. Saka, who had been managing a long-term Achilles issue, has been cleared after consultation with Arsenal's medical team and is now pain-free. However, defender Reece James will miss the match due to a minor hamstring injury and is a doubt for the round of 32. Tuchel named Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah, and Ezri Konsa as right-back cover options. He also defended the decision to call up centre-back Trevoh Chalobah instead of a natural right-back after Tino Livramento's tournament-ending injury. Additionally, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are fit, but Rice is one yellow card away from a suspension.
SkySports | NewsBukayo Saka may start against Panama but Tuchel warns against over-reliance
England coach Thomas Tuchel hopes winger Bukayo Saka can start against Panama on Saturday after two substitute appearances in the World Cup, but warns the Arsenal forward cannot single-handedly solve England's attacking problems. Saka, 24, is returning from an Achilles injury and managed carefully. He added late impetus in a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana, where England managed only four shots on target. Tuchel emphasizes collective responsibility and is wary of putting pressure on Saka. England also monitor Declan Rice's fitness after he was spotted with calf strapping. Tuchel expects moderate rotation against Panama, possibly starting Nico O'Reilly at left-back, but stresses continuity. England top their group on goal difference after a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Football | The GuardianThomas Tuchel explains decision to snub Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins against Ghana
England played a goalless draw against Ghana in the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Manager Thomas Tuchel brought on Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and Marcus Rashford to break through Ghana's defense but did not use strikers Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins. Tuchel kept Harry Kane on for the full 90 minutes, stating it was not a consideration to take him off. He emphasized reliance on Kane as natural due to his responsibility and goal-scoring ability, despite the team struggling to find space against Ghana's low block. Neither Toney nor Watkins came on in the previous match against Croatia either. Tuchel said he has not yet considered changes for the upcoming match against Panama.
Mirror - FootballEngland vs Ghana LIVE: Team news as Three Lions eye World Cup knockout spot
England face Ghana in their second 2026 World Cup group match in Boston, with a victory securing a place in the knockout stages. Following a 4-2 win over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel's side are in strong position. Key team news includes Bukayo Saka recovering from an Achilles issue but expected to rest until the final group game against Panama. Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice picked up minor knocks against Croatia but are available for selection. Marc Guehi is pushing for a start in defense. The match kicks off at 10pm BST, and England could also clinch top spot in Group L if other results go their way.
Mirror - FootballTuchel Says Saka Fit to Start Against Ghana but Faces Selection Competition
England manager Thomas Tuchel has provided an injury update on Bukayo Saka, confirming the Arsenal winger is now fully fit after an Achilles injury and feels no pain. Saka was only a substitute against Croatia but is in contention to start against Ghana in a World Cup group match in Boston. Tuchel also praised Declan Rice, calling him 'one of the very best midfielders in the world' ahead of his 75th cap. The manager faces a selection headache on the right wing between Saka and Noni Madueke. Additionally, Tuchel criticized the use of hydration breaks in the tournament, saying they break match momentum and change the characteristics of the game, though he acknowledged they are needed for fairness in the climate.
Mirror - FootballThomas Tuchel Urged to Change England Side for Ghana After Impressive Comeback Against Croatia
England are set to face Ghana in their second World Cup 2026 Group L fixture in Boston on Tuesday, following a dramatic 4-2 comeback win over Croatia. Manager Thomas Tuchel faces selection decisions after strong performances from substitutes Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Djed Spence, and Morgan Rogers in the second half. Mirror Football writers Andy Dunn and Ryan Taylor argue for changes to the starting lineup, including starting Rashford over Anthony Gordon and bringing Marc Guehi into defense to replace Ezri Konsa or John Stones. Saka trained Monday and Declan Rice is fully fit, giving Tuchel a full squad to choose from. The analysis focuses on tactical adjustments to build on the opening victory.
Mirror - FootballBukayo Saka Trains with England Squad Ahead of Ghana World Cup Match
Bukayo Saka has returned to full training with the England squad on Sunday, providing a fitness boost to manager Thomas Tuchel before their second World Cup group match against Ghana on Tuesday in Boston. The 24-year-old Arsenal winger had been managing an Achilles tendinitis issue, which limited him to individual work on Saturday and a bench role in England's opening 4-2 win over Croatia. Tuchel has indicated that Saka is unlikely to start until the third group game versus Panama. Saka has been carrying the injury for some time, but Arsenal deemed him fit enough for their end-of-season run-in, during which they won the Premier League title. Reports suggest his condition has not worsened since the domestic season ended.
BBC SportBukayo Saka trains with England squad ahead of Ghana World Cup match
Bukayo Saka has trained fully with the England squad on Sunday, providing a fitness boost to manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of their second 2026 World Cup group match against Ghana. The Arsenal attacker missed full training on Saturday, doing individual work instead, but participated in the penultimate session on Sunday in Kansas City. Saka is nursing an Achilles tendinitis issue and started on the bench against Croatia, where England won 4-2. Tuchel indicated Saka is unlikely to start until the final group game against Panama. The 24-year-old has been managing the injury for some time; Arsenal monitored it during their Premier League title-winning run-in, and the condition has not worsened since the season ended.
BBC SportBukayo Saka Continues Individual Training Due to Achilles Injury Ahead of England vs Ghana World Cup Match
England and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka did not train with the England squad on Saturday, June 20, 2026, instead working separately due to ongoing issues from an Achilles tendon injury that has troubled him since March. England is preparing for its second Group L match of the World Cup against Ghana on Tuesday. Manager Thomas Tuchel is managing Saka's fitness carefully; the winger stated he was fit to start but was benched for the opener against Croatia, where he came on in the 71st minute and assisted Marcus Rashford for England's fourth goal in a 4-2 victory. England leads Group L. The FA did not confirm whether Saka will play against Ghana. England will also face Panama on June 27 to conclude group stage play.
FútbolEngland Faces Two Injury Blows Ahead of World Cup Match Against Ghana
Two days before England's 2026 World Cup group stage match against Ghana, manager Thomas Tuchel is dealing with fitness concerns over wingers Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford. According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal's Saka is expected to be rested until at least the final group stage match as he recovers from an Achilles tendon issue. He has already missed a team session and his return is being managed cautiously. Meanwhile, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is under observation after feeling glute muscle pain during a substitute appearance against Croatia. The injury forced him to miss a closed-doors training session, and while not considered serious, it may lead Tuchel to opt for caution. Anthony Gordon is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Rashford on the left flank if needed.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertBukayo Saka misses England training, doubtful for World Cup clash with Ghana
England's Bukayo Saka missed training on June 20, 2026, due to an Achilles tendinitis issue, making him doubtful to start against Ghana in England's second World Cup group game. Manager Thomas Tuchel indicated Saka is being managed carefully and may be ready for the final group match. Marcus Rashford, who nursed a hamstring issue, trained fully and is a candidate to start after scoring as a substitute in England's 4-2 win over Croatia. Saka came off the bench in that match and assisted Rashford's goal. Declan Rice has also recovered despite limping off earlier. Chris Sutton has publicly urged Tuchel to start Rashford over Anthony Gordon. England will fly to Boston on Monday ahead of the Tuesday match in Kansas City.
Mirror - FootballEngland's Bukayo Saka unlikely to start against Ghana due to Achilles issue
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has indicated that winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start in the World Cup group match against Ghana on Tuesday. Saka, who came off the bench in England's 4-2 win over Croatia and provided an assist, is managing an Achilles tendinitis issue. Tuchel stated that Saka is being managed through the early stages of the tournament and may not be ready to start until the final group game against Panama on 27 June. Saka himself said he is willing to 'gamble' on his fitness to help the team. Arsenal had deemed the 24-year-old fit enough to play regularly during their title-winning season, and his condition has not deteriorated since then. Tuchel appears to be protecting Saka for the latter stages of the tournament.
BBC SportSaka Likely to Miss Start vs Ghana; Rashford Deals with Hip Discomfort
The Daily Mail reports that England's Bukayo Saka is unlikely to recover in time to start the upcoming match against Ghana due to ongoing Achilles tendon discomfort, with manager Thomas Tuchel prepared to wait until at least the final group match to use him from the start. Marcus Rashford is dealing with minor hip discomfort after scoring off the bench against Croatia, leading to his absence from a closed-door friendly against Kansas City; Anthony Gordon may continue as left winger. Harry Kane's left calf bandaging was related to cramping and he is expected to start the second group match. Noni Madueke is likely to continue at right winger. Ivan Toney scored another hat-trick in the friendly, while Marc Guehi is pushing for a return to the starting center-back role.
虎扑 - 足球