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England boss Thomas Tuchel says Bukayo Saka is “pain-free” and “ready” for the Three Lions’ final group game with Panama – amid injury to defender Reece James.
Saka started on the bench for England’s first two World Cup games against Croatia and Ghana and made second-half cameos as a substitute. This is due to a long-term Achilles problem which affected his season run-in at Arsenal.
However, Tuchel revealed that Saka has spent the last few days feeling back to his normal self after a rigorous medical process, including a consultation with Arsenal.
“For Bukayo, it was the right thing (to not start him yet),” Tuchel said. “We have agreed in close collaboration with Bukayo and Arsenal’s medical team in particular that this is the way to develop him.
“He is now, for a long time, completely free from pain and discomfort and ready to go and start.”
James may miss the rest of the World Cup
Reece James will miss the Panama game
Reece James’ World Cup may be over – If England fail to reach the final stage of the competition.
Sky Sports News James is said to be unavailable until the knockout stages of the tournament as he struggles to recover from a hamstring injury.
In the name of Tuchel DZ Spence, Jarrell Quansah And Izri Consa As a right-back cover option who could replace James. But the England boss was also questioned as to why he called up the centre-back Trevo: Let’s go – rather than a natural right-back option – when full-back Tino Livramento Picked up a tournament-ending injury earlier this month.
“The thought of calling up the man is to free up Kwansah in the right full-back position for us,” said Tuchel. “I saw him play very strongly there for Liverpool and he played a lot in the back three – which is not too far from the position – at Leverkusen. And we have DJ Spence.
“No one saw that (James’ injury) coming. Reese was in good shape.
“Consa has also played in that right-back position at a high level for us. No problem. We would like to have Reece as a key player but he is not available. We will find a solution. That is what we do.”
Rice and Anderson fit – but the Arsenal man has a yellow card problem
This report was also given on Friday evening Elliott AndersonHis participation against Panama is doubtful due to a muscle strain. However, Tuchel said the England midfielder took part in full training on Friday and is available to start.
Despite the calf slump against Ghana, Declan Rice Fit is also passed – but the Arsenal midfielder is one yellow card away from being banned for the round of 32.
Elliott Anderson and Declan Rice are fit to start against Panama
“Yes and no,” Tuchel said, when asked if that influenced his thinking. “He is experienced enough to handle it. But we are aware of it. He has a yellow card.
“If he starts (against Panama), and I usually want Declan on the pitch, he has to manage it and he will manage it.
“Elliott Anderson was in full training (Friday). Declan Rice was in full training. They both experienced minor problems after the Ghana match but have had time to recover.
“Everybody except Reece James is available and ready to go. We’ll make a decision (Friday night).”
Tuchel: Anderson has caused no confusion in Man City move
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Tim Sherwood shares his thoughts on England midfielder Anderson and what a ‘dream’ he is for Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel
Meanwhile, Tuchel also spoke of Anderson’s impending British transfer record at Manchester City, who have agreed a £116m move for the Nottingham Forest player.
Earlier this month, Tuchel revealed he did not want players focusing on transfers the day before a match and the England boss said Anderson had caused no confusion – and that he would facilitate City’s transfer after the Panama game.
“We had no distractions, no treatment before the match,” Tuchel said. “All the focus was on his recovery and getting him available for training.
“The focus has been on training and traveling with us. There is no distraction from the main thing which is obviously the match. We want to win the match, win the group. We need Elliott in the right mindset.
“The reality is that transfers are going on when we are playing in world football. Big transfers take a long time.
“We know things are going on behind the scenes. We will facilitate that transition but after the match, not before.”
