Tuchel confirms Saka fit to start against Ghana but keeps England guessing on selection

Bukayo Saka is fully fit and available to start England’s friendly against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel confirmed, though the manager stopped short of guaranteeing the Arsenal winger a place in his starting eleven.

Saka was restricted to a substitute appearance in England’s opener against Croatia after managing his Achilles injury, but Tuchel indicated the 23-year-old is now pain-free and ready for a larger role. “Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go,” Tuchel said, before adding a deliberate caveat: “without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.”

The competition for the right-wing berth is fierce, with Noni Madueke also pressing for a starting spot. Tuchel acknowledged the selection dilemma while framing it as a positive problem. “It’s another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka,” he said, noting that both players also compete for the same position at Arsenal.

Tuchel also used the press conference to lavish praise on Declan Rice, who is set to earn his 75th England cap against Ghana. “The point where he is now is one of the very best midfielders in the world,” the England head coach said. “You see a humble, humble footballer, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy and good quality into the group and just ready to learn every day. His career makes him one of the very best at the moment.”

The manager also addressed England’s loss of momentum during the Croatia match, attributing it in part to the mandatory hydration breaks used in the tournament. Tuchel admitted his view on the stoppages has shifted since arriving in the United States. “It breaks the match almost in four quarters,” he said. “I think it changes the characteristics of the match more than I thought. I like football more when it’s played in one go — it builds momentum, it’s part of the game.”

Despite his reservations, Tuchel acknowledged the fairness argument for the breaks given the heat and humidity conditions. He also confirmed that all squad members — including Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford — are available for selection and have fully bought into their roles whether starting or coming off the bench.