Tuchel Weighs Saka Start for England's 2026 World Cup Opener as 25 of 26 Are Available
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jun 17
Tuchel Weighs Saka Start for England's 2026 World Cup Opener as 25 of 26 Are Available
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jun 17
Summary
Bukayo Saka is touch-and-go to start against Croatia in Dallas, leaving Thomas Tuchel with a late call before England open their Group L campaign.
Saka has been managing an Achilles injury and Tuchel said before the tournament the Arsenal winger was not yet ready for 90 minutes, though the player says he feels better than he has for months.
England otherwise have 25 of 26 players available, with Trevoh Chalobah not yet ready after replacing the injured Tino Livramento; Noni Madueke is poised to step in if needed.
Harry Kane is set to lead the line against a changed Croatia side still anchored by Luka Modric, with Ghana and Panama also in a group England begin under pressure to navigate cleanly.