Tuchel signals Saka set for bench against Ghana

England manager Thomas Tuchel has hinted winger Bukayo Saka is unlikely to start the World Cup tie with Ghana. Saka made a goal-scoring impact from the bench in the 4-2 opening win over Croatia, providing an immediate assist for Marcus Rashford, but his minutes are being closely managed because of an ongoing Achilles issue.

Tuchel is taking a cautious approach after the 24-year-old played through pain during Arsenal's title run-in. He said: "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." That stance contrasts with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's usual practice of keeping medical details in-house.

Medical assessments suggest Saka's Achilles tendinitis has not worsened since the domestic season ended, yet Tuchel wants him peaking for the knockout rounds. England's attacking depth allows rotation, with Noni Madueke likely to resume on the right flank and other options impressing in recent matches.

England

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