Rashford and Saka must play waiting game

BUKAYO SAKA is unlikely to be ready to start England’s next game against Ghana, while Marcus Rashford is also managing a niggle. Rashford came off the bench during Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Croatia and impressed, scoring his side’s final goal. But he felt something in his glute area and did not feature as England beat Sporting Kansas City 5-1 in a friendly on Thursday.

The issue is not thought to be serious, but it could mean Anthony Gordon continues on the left wing in Boston on

Tuesday. Boss Thomas Tuchel likes to have players make an impact from the bench, so rather than listen to clamour for Rashford to start, the German will see the value in his quality against tired legs. Harry Kane left the AT&T Stadium with strapping on his left calf, but that was related to cramp. He will be fine for the second group fixture. And Tuchel is also set to keep Saka in reserve until the final group match at the earliest. He assisted Rashford’s goal in Dallas, but was also absent from the training ground game. The Arsenal man is still building fitness after an Achilles complaint, so Noni Madueke should keep his place on the right wing. Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick against Sporting KC, on the back of a treble against Miami a week earlier. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins were the others on target. Marc Guehi also played and is pushing for a recall after Tuchel went with Ezri Konsa and John Stones at centre back against Croatia.