Saka sits out England training with Achilles issue ahead of Ghana World Cup clash

Bukayo Saka sat out England’s training session in Kansas City as the Arsenal winger continues to manage an Achilles tendinitis problem, casting doubt over his availability to start against Ghana in England’s second World Cup group game on Tuesday.

Thomas Tuchel otherwise had a near-full squad at his disposal, with Marcus Rashford — who had been nursing a hamstring issue — returning to the session. The England head coach had already signalled after the Croatia opener that Saka was unlikely to be ready to start against Ghana, suggesting the winger would be eased back gradually across the tournament.

“Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready,” Tuchel said. “I think once we go to the last game of this group he will be ready. He was strong in training in small spaces. It was just a matter of if the game was open and he was up and down.”

Saka came off the bench in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, replacing Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke, and still managed to contribute an assist — teeing up Rashford for the fourth goal. England are due to fly to Boston on Monday, with both Saka and Rashford potentially filling impact-substitute roles again against Ghana.

There is less concern over Declan Rice, with the Arsenal midfielder reporting that he has recovered after limping off earlier in the week.

The fitness news opens a debate over England’s starting line-up on the left flank. Former striker Chris Sutton has called on Tuchel to hand Rashford a starting berth following his goal against Croatia, arguing that Anthony Gordon’s form has not yet hit the required level.

“On the left, I’d go for Rashford,” Sutton said, as quoted by Metro. “I think Gordon’s form suffered towards the end of the season. He didn’t play much for Newcastle and he just doesn’t seem quite up to speed. Rashford took his goal well and looked good. It’s close, but at the moment I’d go for Rashford. I think he deserves an opportunity.”