England are monitoring the fitness of three key players — Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Marcus Rashford — ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L fixture against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.

Saka managed carefully by Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Saka is unlikely to start against Ghana as the coaching staff continue to carefully manage a long-standing Achilles problem. Noni Madueke is expected to keep his place on the right wing in Saka's absence.

"Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready," Tuchel said following England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. "Once we get to the last game in the group it is the moment. He was strong yesterday in training in small spaces. It's just a matter of if the game is open and up and down."

Rice's hamstring scare

Rice was substituted in the second half of the Croatia match after clutching the top of his right leg. Tuchel brought on Morgan Rogers in his place, moved Jude Bellingham into a deeper midfield role, and later shifted Reece James into the centre of the park.

"Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort," Tuchel said. "I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort. I didn't want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off."

Tuchel remained cautiously optimistic, adding: "He had a fantastic game, so I hope it's nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end: 'It's good, and I know the discomfort'. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about."

Rashford and Kane also assessed

Rashford, who came off the bench to combine with Saka for England's fourth goal against Croatia, reported muscle tightness after the final whistle and is being monitored by the medical team. Captain Harry Kane, meanwhile, suffered cramp late in the contest and was seen wearing strapping during training.

Livramento already ruled out

England have already absorbed one injury blow at this tournament, with Tino Livramento withdrawing from the squad due to a calf strain. The Newcastle United full-back has been replaced by Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah.