Bukayo Saka is nursing an Achilles injury at the World Cup, but England cannot call up a replacement if his injury flares up and forces him to miss matches. According to FIFA regulations, the window to replace an outfield player closed 24 hours before England's first group stage match against Croatia, which they won 4-2.
Replacement Window Closed
FIFA rules only permit outfield replacements up to 24 hours before a team's first group stage match. Since England has already played their opener, this window has passed. The only exception is for goalkeepers, who can be replaced at any point during the tournament due to emergency.
England previously used the replacement window to swap Tino Livramento for Trevoh Chalobah. However, once a team kicks off in their first match, the outfield squad is permanently locked for the remainder of the competition.
Impact on England's Squad
If Saka's Achilles injury forces him out of matches, head coach Thomas Tuchel cannot add a new player. England must rely on the fit outfield players already in the 26-man squad. Potential replacements for the right-wing position include Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, or Marcus Rashford.
England's next match is against Ghana in their second Group L fixture on Wednesday night at 9pm UK time in Boston. A win would secure their spot in the knockout stages.
