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Saka Misses England Training

Diana Forsythe | June 22, 2026 2:13 PM CST

Arsenal winger worked indoors on an individual programme and is expected to remain available, but Noni Madueke is likely to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Bukayo Saka missed England’s group training session on Saturday as he continues to manage the Achilles issue that has affected him since March, making him unlikely to start against Ghana this week.
The Arsenal winger was the only member of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad not involved in the main session at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City. Instead, he worked indoors on an individual programme designed around his recovery.
Saka was not fit enough to start England’s Group L opener against Croatia, although he came on in the second half, played 18 minutes, and recorded his 10th assist for England in the 4-2 victory.
He is still expected to be available for Tuesday’s match against Ghana in Boston, but Noni Madueke is likely to retain his place on the right wing while Saka’s workload is carefully managed.
England face Ghana after both teams began their World Cup campaigns with victories.
Tuchel raised concerns about Saka’s fitness last week, explaining that the 24-year-old had not yet returned to full condition after an injury that has troubled him for several months.
“He is still not 100 per cent for us,” Tuchel revealed at the start of the month. “Some things are missing for Bukayo in terms of consecutive training.
“I didn’t say Bukayo was not ready to start. But I think it is very unlikely Bukayo starts and finishes the matches all from now on.”
Saka responded last Monday by emphasizing that both Arsenal and England had managed his recovery carefully since the issue first appeared.
“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager,” Saka said.
“What I would say is between Mikel [Arteta] and Arsenal’s medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team since March, they’ve managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.
“I’m feeling better than I felt in the last few months. And, yeah, I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go, man.”