Bukayo Saka returned to full training on Sunday, providing a major fitness boost for England ahead of their second group game against Ghana in the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal winger had been considered a doubt for the match in Foxborough, Massachusetts, as the Football Association medical team managed a lingering Achilles injury he suffered in March.
Saka's Individual Training Programme
Saka was the only member of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad who did not take part in the full session on Saturday, instead undergoing his own individualised training programme to manage his workload. However, two days before the Ghana clash, he trained fully with the squad in a positive development.
Watkins Confirms Saka's Attendance
Speaking in a press conference on Sunday, England striker Ollie Watkins revealed that Saka has taken part in every training session the team has conducted at their Swope Soccer Village base in Kansas City since beating Croatia 4-2 in their opening game. “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.
Watkins added: “I think he's played so many games throughout these last few years, you can see, because he's a crucial player for Arsenal and very important because he's a top quality player and it brings quality to the pitch 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. You need important players like him to be ready to play and step up when called upon.”
Saka's Impact Against Croatia
Saka came off the bench in England's opening 4-2 victory over Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, assisting fellow substitute Marcus Rashford for the fourth goal. His availability for the Ghana game is seen as crucial as England look to secure progression in the tournament.
