England received a positive boost as Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice resumed training ahead of their upcoming match against Ghana on Tuesday. However, Bukayo Saka is expected to remain on the bench as he continues his recovery towards full fitness.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Saka is currently managing an achilles issue, making him unfit for a complete match at this stage. The young winger made a brief appearance off the bench during England’s opening World Cup fixture against Croatia, which ended in a 4-2 victory in Dallas.
On Saturday, Saka worked on an individual training program at England’s facility in Kansas City, suggesting that Noni Madueke will again start on the right flank for the encounter against Ghana in Boston, part of Group L.
Following an impressive second half against Croatia, England currently tops their group, although they left Dallas with concerns over a couple of injuries. Rashford, who scored the fourth goal in the match, reported a minor muscular issue, while Rice exited the field in the 72nd minute due to discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring.
Fortunately, Tuchel received encouraging news when the squad returned to practice after a day off on Friday. Rashford, vying for a spot on the left wing against Anthony Gordon, appeared to be in good condition, and Rice, serving as vice-captain and a key player in midfield, also seemed to move without restriction during passing drills.
Bellingham Reflects on National Duties
Jude Bellingham has shared insights into his evolving role with the national team. In a recent interview with FIFA, the 22-year-old stated, “My responsibility to my team and to my country is to give everything I have. It’s been a gradual process into being where I am with the England squad. “I wore the captain’s armband for the first time in the friendlies which means I’m on a good path and I know I can contribute whether it be from the starting XI, from the bench, I understand other players deserve to play as well. But I think I’m more than ready to give the team minutes.”
“I think it’s always the players who are calmer, more relaxed who understand what they have to do and don’t get carried away with the atmosphere. They are normally the ones who normally seem to look a step above.”
Bellingham, who netted England’s third goal against Croatia, emphasized the importance of maintaining composure on the field. “When I cross the line, wear that badge on the front, wear the No10 on the back of my shirt, I make sure I give everything that I have,”
The midfielder expressed his pride in representing his country, stating, “It’s every footballer’s dream to play at a World Cup and I’ve been fortunate enough to play in one already and now I’m back with the squad for the second one.”
In a conversation with BBC Sport, Bellingham revealed how he draws inspiration from his family during the pre-match national anthem. “I think the anthem is the last chance you get to really be mindful of the people who have got you there and what it means to be from England,” he remarked.
“I think about my grandad, who passed away just before my England debut. He was so patriotic. He was an Englishman through and through. He could give you every fact about every war, every battle, every king, and every queen.”
Bellingham continued by acknowledging the support of his family. “I also think about the rest of my family and the sacrifices they’ve made to get me to this stage. My mum, my dad and my brother, Jobe, have all been so important for me. My brother has been a constant crutch for me.”
