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Tuchel benches Saka vs Ghana, expects fit for Panama

6/20/2026

Summary

Saka Benched

England coach Thomas Tuchel announced Bukayo Saka will not start against Ghana on Tuesday in the United States.
Tuchel said Saka’s Achilles tendinitis requires management, expects him fit for Panama match on June 27 in New Jersey, and notes England can rely on wingers Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon.
Saka, who assisted Rashford’s fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Croatia, said he feels ready, gambling on his fitness.

Summary

England Trains Kansas

England will train in Kansas City before traveling to Boston for Ghana match on June 23 at Boston Stadium.
England leads Group L on goal-difference, meaning a win secures a last-32 spot.
After beating Croatia, England played a closed-door 5-1 friendly against Sporting Kansas City, rotating squad members.
Thomas Tuchel (England manager) will retain formation and starting eleven that beat Croatia: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice, Madueke; Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.

Summary

Rashford Hamstring

Marcus Rashford reported muscle tightness and a possible hamstring after scoring England’s fourth goal versus Croatia.
Rashford entered the match as a late substitute, providing pace that sealed the 4-2 victory.
England granted all squad members a full day off on Friday to relax with families, partners and friends.
Several families attended the Dallas match and met the players afterward.
The squad visited the team’s camp in Kansas City.

History

Historical Context

The pattern of key players missing matches mirrors the 1998 controversy over Brazil’s striker Ronaldo, who was reinstated after a pre-match fitness scare. That tournament expanded to 32 teams for the first time, raising physical demands on squads. Today, manager Thomas Tuchel’s sidelining of Bukayo Saka and others underscores the same challenge.

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Saka Benched

England coach Thomas Tuchel announced Bukayo Saka will not start against Ghana on Tuesday in the United States.
Tuchel said Saka’s Achilles tendinitis requires management, expects him fit for Panama match on June 27 in New Jersey, and notes England can rely on wingers Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon.
Saka, who assisted Rashford’s fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Croatia, said he feels ready, gambling on his fitness.

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