Thomas Tuchel has urged caution around expectations for Bukayo Saka's impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting the Arsenal winger cannot be treated as a one-man solution to England's goalscoring problems — yet conceding that his manager needs him at his best all the same.

Saka, returning from a lengthy Achilles injury, has made only substitute appearances in England's opening two group matches. He contributed an assist for Marcus Rashford's goal in the 4-2 victory over Croatia, but was unable to make a decisive contribution when introduced against Ghana in a goalless draw that left Tuchel frustrated.

A potential start against Panama

Tuchel hinted that Saka could be ready to start when England face Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, should his recovery continue on its current trajectory. "He seems to be more and more ready and will hopefully push. We will then see," the England head coach said.

Despite his eagerness to have Saka available, Tuchel is resistant to placing the burden of England's attacking struggles squarely on the 23-year-old's shoulders. "It's not like Bukayo comes back and everything is solved and I don't want to put this on his back," he said. "He's a top player, that's why he's with us, and he will get his minutes. We need him desperately, like every other player, in top shape."

Rotation plans adjusted after Ghana stalemate

England sit top of Group L, level on four points with Ghana on goal difference — and level on the FIFA head-to-head criteria after their draw. Should both nations win their final group games, a goal-count shootout will determine who finishes top.

That scenario makes wholesale rotation harder to justify, and Tuchel acknowledged the draw had tempered his original plans. "I'm still not shy to do some rotation now if we think some players should be on the pitch, but maybe more moderate than before," he said, "because otherwise it is maybe not fair if you throw 10 new players in and say 'go and perform'."

Stones faces a fight for his place

John Stones, who started England's opener against Croatia, may find it difficult to reclaim his starting berth after Tuchel heaped praise on the centre-back pairing of Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa. Guehi replaced Stones in the starting eleven for the Ghana fixture, and the partnership impressed the head coach.

"I like the centre-backs," Tuchel said. "I think they were good together. It was a difficult match. We allowed two counter-attacks and only two counter-attacks, and they were straight away dangerous. So the credit goes to the team, and the structure and the discipline that we didn't allow more."

Konsa penalty call divides camps

Ezri Konsa was fortunate to escape without conceding a penalty after a second-half challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu in which the Aston Villa defender appeared to make contact with the Ghana forward's thigh. The referee waved the incident away and VAR did not intervene.

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz was pointed in his post-match assessment. "I'm not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It's working?" he said sarcastically. "I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England. They're lucky. They're very lucky. It was a clear penalty, red card."

Tuchel offered a brief rebuttal. "Could have, not should have," he said when pressed on whether Ghana had been denied a penalty — and a possible red card — following a separate incident involving Jordan Pickford.