England will carefully manage Bukayo Saka's availability for Tuesday's World Cup match against Ghana, with head coach Thomas Tuchel indicating the Arsenal winger is 'unlikely' to start due to an Achilles problem sustained during the Premier League season.
'Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready,' Tuchel said after England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. 'Once we get to the last game in the group it is the moment.' Saka appeared from the bench at 72 minutes against Croatia but has not featured from the start at the tournament.
Noni Madueke is likely to keep his right-wing place following an impressive World Cup debut. The winger won the penalty that led to England's opening goal and created several chances against Croatia. Tuchel noted his performance was among 'the highest level' from all four wing options available.
Marcus Rashford impressed off the bench, scoring England's fourth goal in the Croatia win. Saka's Achilles injury—improved from March but still requiring careful management—creates uncertainty over England's final Group J setup. The injury status affects individual player scoring odds and starting-XI markets for Tuesday's match.