Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is fit and available to start for England in their upcoming World Cup match against Ghana, but the manager kept the starting lineup under wraps, particularly regarding the right wing position.
Saka's fitness and role
Saka has been managing an Achilles injury that has not sidelined him but has caused him to play through pain with some restriction in his movement. Due to this issue, he did not start England's World Cup opener against Croatia, with Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke taking his place on the right wing. Madueke performed brightly and won the penalty that Harry Kane converted to open the scoring in the first half. Saka came off the bench and provided a brilliant assist for Marcus Rashford as England secured a 4-2 victory.
Tuchel addressed the competition between the two Arsenal players in a pre-match press conference: 'It's another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka and the beautiful thing is they do it for Arsenal as well. Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go – without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.'
Squad fitness and morale
The England camp is now reportedly injury-free following the exit of Tino Livramento, who was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. Tuchel also dismissed any concerns about squad harmony regarding playing time: 'Everyone has trained, everyone is available. No matter whether it's Marc (Guehi) in defence or Marcus (Rashford) and Bukayo, they all bought into it, the team as starters or coming on from the bench.'
Declan Rice's condition
Another player who was a fitness concern was Declan Rice, who was substituted against Croatia due to pain in his lower back and hamstring. The issue is not considered serious, and Rice will continue to play. Tuchel praised the midfielder highly: 'The point where he is now is one of the very best midfielders in the world. You see a humble, humble footballer, humble, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy and good quality into the group and just ready to learn every day. So his career makes him one of the very best at the moment. So proud to be his coach.'
