England’s bright World Cup 2026 start has been tempered by fresh fitness concerns over Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford ahead of their next Group L match against Ghana.
Thomas Tuchel’s side opened their campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, a match that showcased England’s attacking depth and firepower. Harry Kane scored twice, Jude Bellingham impressed once again on the big stage, and Marcus Rashford added a late finishing touch to seal all three points.
However, the physical toll of that high-intensity encounter is already being felt inside the England camp.
Both Saka and Rashford are reportedly struggling to shake off minor knocks picked up during the opening fixture. While neither injury is believed to be serious, their availability for the upcoming match against Ghana has become a talking point for the coaching staff.
Saka, who played a key role in England’s attacking build-up against Croatia, is said to be managing muscle discomfort after repeated sprints and challenges on the wing. Rashford, meanwhile, is dealing with a minor issue following his late cameo, where he continued to press aggressively in search of space and attacking opportunities.
Tuchel is expected to assess both players carefully in training sessions before making a final decision. With England facing a congested schedule and high expectations to top Group L, the manager may choose to rotate rather than risk aggravating either condition.
The situation does not yet represent a major crisis, but it does highlight the physical demands of England’s high-tempo attacking style. Tuchel has emphasised intensity and quick transitions since taking charge, and that approach naturally increases the workload on wide forwards like Saka and Rashford.
England’s medical team remain optimistic that both players will be fit in time for the Ghana clash, though precautionary management is likely.
The good news for England is their squad depth. With options such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Jack Grealish available, Tuchel has alternatives capable of maintaining attacking threat without significantly weakening the side.
Still, the timing of these knocks is far from ideal. With England aiming to build early momentum in the tournament, keeping key attackers fresh could prove just as important as the goals they score.
For now, England fans will wait for updates — hoping Saka and Rashford recover quickly as the World Cup challenge continues.
