Tuchel urges patience with Saka as England weigh Panama rotation

Thomas Tuchel has made clear that Bukayo Saka’s return is valuable for England, but not a quick fix for their attacking issues. Saka has been used from the bench in the first two group matches while working back from a long-term Achilles problem.

The Arsenal winger assisted Marcus Rashford against Croatia, then came on for the final half-hour of the goalless draw with Ghana without changing the scoreline. Tuchel indicated Saka could be closer to starting against Panama if his recovery keeps moving in the right direction, while stressing that England’s goalscoring burden should not fall on one player.

England remain top of Group L ahead of Ghana on goal difference, with both sides on four points. That makes the final round sensitive: if both England and Ghana win, the group order could depend on who scores more in their last match. Tuchel still expects to rotate, but suggested any changes may be more measured than a full reshuffle.

There is also a selection question in defence. Tuchel praised Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa after the Ghana match, which may leave John Stones with work to do to reclaim a starting place. Ghana, meanwhile, were unhappy that no penalty was awarded after Konsa’s challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu, with Carlos Queiroz questioning the VAR process after the game.