England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Bukayo Saka may once again start on the bench when the Three Lions face Ghana in their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Arsenal winger made a strong impact as a substitute during England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia. After coming on in the second half, Saka provided an assist for Marcus Rashford as England opened their campaign with an important win. However, Tuchel remains cautious about the 24-year-old’s fitness due to an Achilles problem that has required careful management in recent months.
Despite his fitness concerns, Saka remains one of England’s most influential attacking players. He played a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning season and also featured in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The winger has continued to contribute whenever available. Against Croatia, he changed the game from the bench by creating Rashford’s goal. His ability to impact matches quickly highlights why England are determined to have him fully fit for the latter stages of the tournament.
Speaking about Saka’s condition, Tuchel indicated that the coaching staff are focused on a long-term approach rather than rushing the Arsenal star back into the starting lineup.
2026 FIFA World Cup
”Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready. I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready.”
The England boss has repeatedly stressed that Saka is still managing discomfort linked to the Achilles injury he carried through the closing months of the club season. England’s medical team has continued the careful workload programme that Arsenal used during their successful title run.
England will face Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday in a match that could determine the Group L leaders. The Black Stars opened their World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama and arrive full of confidence.
A second consecutive win would secure England’s place in the Round of 32 before their final group fixture against Panama. With qualification within reach, Tuchel appears unwilling to take unnecessary risks with Saka’s fitness.
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