Rashford and Rice boost England as Saka remains cautious for Ghana clash

England fans can breathe a little easier. Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have both trained ahead of Tuesday's crucial group stage fixture against Ghana, offering a timely boost to Thomas Tuchel's selection plans. The pair's involvement in the final session signals they are in contention to start, adding firepower and midfield steel to a side that already impressed in their opening 4-2 victory over Croatia.

Injury updates and lineup decisions

Rashford's return to full training is particularly welcome after the forward missed the Croatia match with a minor knock. His pace and directness could prove vital against a Ghana side that will look to press high and disrupt England's rhythm. Rice, meanwhile, was an unused substitute in the opener but his experience and discipline in the engine room make him a strong candidate to slot into the starting eleven. Tuchel now has the luxury of rotating his squad, ensuring key players are fresh for the knockout rounds.

Saka's cautious return

One player who will likely have to wait for his first start is Bukayo Saka. The winger came off the bench against Croatia and played a lively cameo, but Tuchel confirmed Saka is managing an achilles problem and is not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes. The decision to keep Saka on the bench again is a sensible one—rushing him back could risk a more serious setback. England's depth means they can afford to be patient: with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden in the squad, there is no shortage of attacking options to fill the void.

What it means for England's group stage push

With two points from their opening game (the win over Croatia gives them three), England sit top of Group D heading into the Ghana fixture. A victory on Tuesday would all but secure progression to the knockout stage, taking the pressure off their final group match. The fitness boosts from Rashford and Rice allow Tuchel to field his strongest possible lineup, while Saka's gradual reintegration ensures he peaks at the right time. For a team with World Cup aspirations, managing minutes and staying injury-free is just as important as winning matches. The signs are promising, but the real test comes against a Ghana side desperate to keep their own hopes alive.