England just got the kind of news that can change the trajectory of a World Cup group stage. Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal winger who’s been the team’s most dangerous attacker over the last two seasons, returned to full training on Sunday. That puts him on track to play Tuesday against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
This is not a minor thing. Saka had been training alone for most of the week while the FA’s medical staff managed the lingering Achilles issue that’s bothered him since March. He was the only player in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad who sat out the full session on Saturday. Instead, he worked through an individualized program designed to keep his load under control without losing fitness.
But Sunday was different. Saka joined the rest of the group for the full workout at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City. Two days out from the match, that timing matters.
The Watkins confirmation
Ollie Watkins actually confirmed during his Sunday press conference that Saka hasn’t missed a single training day since England arrived in camp. That’s worth repeating: the guy with the Achilles problem has been on the field every day, even if some of those days were modified.
“I’m not in the physio department, but he hasn’t missed a day of training, so I think that’s a good thing,” Watkins said. He pointed out that Saka’s sheer volume of games over the last few years probably explains the niggles in the first place. The guy has played a mountain of football for Arsenal and England.
“He is very important, as everyone can see, so I think managing niggles going into a competition is very important for the later stages,” Watkins added. “You need important players like him to be ready to play and step up when called upon.”
Saka already showed he can do that off the bench. Against Croatia in the opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he came on as a substitute and set up Marcus Rashford for England’s fourth goal in a 4-2 win. That assist came after Rashford also subbed in, which tells you something about the depth Tuchel has at his disposal.
What this means for the group stage
England sits on three points after that opening win. A victory against Ghana would all but lock up advancement to the knockout rounds. Having Saka available — even if he doesn’t start — gives Tuchel a legitimate game-breaker off the bench or a reliable starter who can stretch defenses with his dribbling and creativity.
The medical team has been careful with this one. Achilles issues can linger and worsen if you push too hard too fast. But Saka’s consistent presence in camp suggests the problem is more about management than serious concern. He’s not broken down. He’s being protected.
Either way, England fans should feel better about Tuesday than they did 48 hours ago.
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