England boss Tuchel gives Saka update ahead of Ghana clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Bukayo Saka may once again start from the bench when England face Ghana in their second Group L match at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Saka made a strong impact as a substitute in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, assisting Marcus Rashford shortly after coming on.

However, Tuchel appears to be taking a cautious approach with the Arsenal winger as he continues his recovery from an Achilles problem.

The England boss has stressed that while Saka is improving, the medical team is prioritising his full fitness for the later stages of the competition.

The winger played through discomfort during the domestic season, and England are keen to avoid any setback during the tournament.

According to Tuchel, Saka is progressing well but is not yet ready to consistently handle full match intensity. This opens the door for other attacking options, with Noni Madueke expected to retain his place after an impressive performance in the opening group game.

England travel to Boston for a crucial clash against a Ghana side that began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Panama. A victory for England would secure qualification to the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

While Saka is expected to feature in some capacity, Tuchel’s comments strongly indicate he will again be used as an impact substitute rather than being rushed into the starting lineup.