England are facing fresh fitness concerns ahead of their second Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice both under medical observation as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare to face Ghana.
The Three Lions enter the match in a strong position after defeating Croatia 4-2 in their tournament opener. The victory gave England three points and placed them near the top of the group standings, strengthening their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Despite the encouraging start, England’s preparations have not been entirely smooth. The fitness of several key players has emerged as a major talking point in the buildup to the encounter with Ghana, particularly the situations involving Saka and Rice.
Saka was unavailable for England’s opening victory over Croatia and was replaced on the right flank by Noni Madueke. The Chelsea winger impressed during his opportunity in the starting lineup and provided Tuchel with another attacking option heading into the second group-stage fixture.
Rice, meanwhile, started against Croatia but was substituted in the 72nd minute after appearing to struggle physically during the second half.
According to Metro, Saka is dealing with an Achilles problem while Rice has been managing a muscle strain. The injuries have forced England’s coaching and medical staff to carefully monitor both players before making decisions regarding their availability against Ghana.
Saka’s fitness concerns date back several months. The Arsenal winger first experienced discomfort in his Achilles tendon during a UEFA Champions League match against Sporting CP in April 2026.
The issue required careful management throughout the remainder of the club season, prompting Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s medical staff to closely monitor the England international in an effort to avoid a more serious setback.
Although he had not fully recovered by the time England’s World Cup squad was finalized, Saka was still included in the tournament roster because team doctors believed the injury could be managed through ongoing treatment and workload control.
His absence against Croatia highlighted his importance to England’s attacking structure. Over the past several years, Saka has established himself as one of the team’s most influential creative players, contributing goals, assists and consistent attacking threat from wide areas.
Madueke’s strong display in the opening match has helped ease concerns about England’s depth, but Tuchel remains eager to have Saka available as the tournament progresses.
Rice’s situation is also attracting attention given his role at the heart of England’s midfield. The Arsenal midfielder has become one of the team’s most important players under both club and international managers, providing defensive stability while helping launch attacks from deep positions.
Any prolonged absence for Rice would force Tuchel to consider adjustments in midfield as England seek to maintain control in possession and defensive balance against increasingly difficult opponents.
England know a victory over Ghana could bring them significantly closer to securing a place in the Round of 32. Depending on results elsewhere in the group, another three points could even guarantee qualification before the final round of group-stage matches.
The challenge presented by Ghana is expected to be considerably different from the one posed by Croatia. Ghana possess pace and athleticism throughout their squad and will likely look to exploit any weaknesses created by England’s injury concerns.
Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized the importance of squad depth throughout the tournament, and the situation involving Saka and Rice will provide an early test of that depth.
While England remain optimistic that both players will be available again during the World Cup, the immediate priority is ensuring they are not rushed back before they are fully ready.
For now, the Three Lions continue their preparations with cautious optimism, knowing that a positive result against Ghana would strengthen their position in Group L and move them one step closer to the knockout phase despite the injury concerns surrounding two of their most important players.
