Bukayo Saka set to start for England against Panama as they aim to top World Cup group

Bukayo Saka is set to start for England against Panama as they look to top Group L at the World Cup, talkSPORT understands.

The Three Lions were guaranteed a spot in the last 32 after results went their way early on Saturday morning.

Getty

Manager Thomas Tuchel, though, will want to finish top of the table, which could see them face Senegal, DR Congo, or Algeria, as it stands.

As such, he could make changes to bolster a side that struggled to breakdown Ghana in their second match.

Saka has come off the bench in England’s first two group games as he continues to manage an Achilles injury.

However, Thomas Tuchel has hinted the Arsenal star is now close to full fitness and likely to step in for Gunners’ teammate Noni Madueke.

Tuchel is also considering replacing the so-far ineffective Anthony Gordon with Marcus Rashford on the opposite flank.

With Reece James nursing a hamstring issue, Jarell Quansah could deputise at right back.

Kobbie Mainoo is pushing for a start in midfield with concerns over the fitness of both Declan Rice and Manchester City-bound Elliot Anderson.

Speaking to talkSPORT’s Faye Carruthers ahead of the match, Tuchel gave a series of injury updates.

Asked how James, who has fears he could miss the rest of the tournament, was, he replied: “I don’t know yet.

“He has a minor hamstring issue and will miss this match. And then we see match-by-match.

Getty

“He didn’t train the last two days and is on an accelerated recovery programme and hopefully it works out.

It was a risky decision to bring James, who has a history of injury issues, and Tino Livramento, already out of the tournament, who has had similar problems, into the squad.

Tuchel, though, insists the decision was right and if James does miss further games then he still has plenty of top quality cover.

“That was the decision.

“At the moment we took the decision, we believed in that decision. I still do.

“I could have been more cautious and maybe have taken Reece out in the hydration break in the last match.

Getty

“If that’s the situation, we still have Jarell Quansah, we have Djed Spence. Ezri Konsa has played in this position on a high level for us.

“We have a few matches and three weeks hopefully to go and we will be fine.”

Rashford was only brought on against Ghana after 82 minutes leading some to speculate about his fitness.

Tuchel moved to deny this and believes the Manchester United star is ready to make an impact at the World Cup.

“No, there are no concerns,” he told talkSPORT. “There are no concerns.

“It was our last change against Ghana and we waited a bit longer but Marcus was very, very good for us when he came from the bench. He proved that he’s good for us in camp.

“He’s ready to go like everyone else. Yeah, it’s an option.”