The England team is facing significant concerns about their force before the clash with Ghana in the second match of Group L of the 2026 World Cup, when Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford all have physical problems.
In the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the opening match, Saka and Rashford came on as substitutes and coordinated to create the fourth goal for the "Three Lions". However, both are being closely watched before the match in Boston. Rashford felt muscle strain after the match, while Saka has not fully recovered from his prolonged Achilles tendon injury.
Coach Thomas Tuchel admitted that Saka's chances of starting against Ghana are not high. The German strategist said that the Arsenal player is recovering positively but needs to be carefully managed to ensure the best physical condition for the next stage of the tournament.
Bukayo Saka is progressing well and becoming more and more ready. We will assess the situation before the last match of the group stage. The important thing is to ensure he is in the best condition" - Tuchel shared.
The biggest concern currently belongs to Declan Rice. The Arsenal midfielder had to leave the field in the second half after feeling uncomfortable in the lower back and hamstrings. Tuchel said he decided to substitute Rice off immediately to avoid risks, even though this midfielder had just experienced a very impressive match.
Declan Rice had a few unusual actions and said he felt uncomfortable in the upper hamstring area. I didn't want to take a risk so I decided to take him off the field. After the match, Declan Rice reassured me that the problem was not too serious and we would continue to watch" - Tuchel said.
In addition, captain Harry Kane also made fans somewhat worried when he had cramps at the end of the match against Croatia and had to be bandaged in the most recent training session. However, the condition of the Bayern Munich striker is not considered worrying.
Previously, England lost defender Tino Livramento due to a calf injury. The Newcastle United player had to withdraw from the tournament and was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah.
England will continue training at the headquarters in Kansas City before moving to Boston to prepare for the important match against Ghana. Tuchel is unlikely to risk using players who are not in the best physical condition.
The match against Ghana promises to be a difficult challenge for England. The African representative showed discomfort in the victory over Panama when possessing a strong physical foundation and the ability to switch states very quickly. With personnel issues appearing, Tuchel may have to carefully consider between the goal of early winning a ticket to the knockout round and preserving the force for the long journey ahead.
However, the "Three Lions" still have many grounds for confidence. Jude Bellingham is in high form, Harry Kane shows sharpness in front of the goal, while backup options such as Noni Madueke, Morgan Rogers or Reece James have all left positive marks.
If they maintain the intensity of pressing and explosive attacking ability like in the second half against Croatia, England can completely aim for a second consecutive victory at the 2026 World Cup.
A favorable result against Ghana not only helps Tuchel's team advance early, but also creates a great advantage in the race to the top of Group L before the final match.
