England have been handed a fresh injury scare ahead of their second World Cup group game against Ghana on Tuesday, with Marcus Rashford emerging as a slight concern.
The 28-year-old scored off the bench as Thomas Tuchel's side secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their tournament opener in Dallas. However, Rashford is reported to have experienced some muscle discomfort and subsequently did not feature in England's practice match against Sporting Kansas City on Thursday, which involved the other substitutes from the Croatia win.
It is believed that Rashford's issue is no more than a minor niggle, but the Manchester United winger will likely undergo further checks as England intensify preparations for their clash with Ghana in Boston.
Other players under observation
Rashford is one of several players whose condition England will be monitoring in the coming days following their impressive victory over Croatia. Captain Harry Kane was seen walking past the media with strapping on his left calf, although that is said to be related to cramp rather than any injury.
Declan Rice was seen limping after being substituted midway through England's first game, but he was quick to allay any fears over a serious issue. 'All good, good as gold,' Rice told ITV. 'Just what I've been nursing probably in the second half of the season, little neural pains here and there, but I'm all good. All fine, just precaution and I'll be back out there against Ghana.'
Speaking after the match about Rice's withdrawal, Tuchel added: 'Declan pointed to his lower back, upper hamstring and feels some discomfort. I didn't want to take any risks. It was a moment to protect him. I hope it's nothing more. Declan reassured me at the end it's good. It's nothing big to worry about.'
Bukayo Saka's fitness
Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka will be hoping to prove his fitness after starting on the bench against Croatia. Saka is still dealing with an ongoing Achilles issue, and Tuchel conceded the Arsenal winger may have to wait until England's final group game for his first start of the tournament.
'Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready,' the German said. 'I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready. He was strong in training yesterday in small spaces. It was just a matter of if the game was open and was up and down.'
