There are not many better sights for an England manager than seeing Bukayo Saka back out on the training pitch, and Thomas Tuchel got exactly that ahead of the Three Lions' second World Cup group game against Ghana. The Arsenal winger had been a worry for the camp, so watching him work alongside his teammates will have taken a fair bit of stress off Tuchel's shoulders.
Saka has become one of England's most important players over the last few years, and that is not something anyone sensible would argue against. He brings directness, creativity, and a level of composure that a lot of his teammates are still working towards. When he is fit and firing, England look like a different side. When he is not, they tend to look a bit flat and predictable going forward, which is not exactly what you want heading into a World Cup knockout scenario.
Now, nobody is saying he will definitely start against Ghana. Tuchel is a manager who will make his own decisions and he is not the type to rush a player back if the risk is not worth it. But the fact that Saka is training with the group rather than doing separate work on the side is a seriously encouraging sign. It suggests he is closer to full fitness than perhaps some feared, and that can only be good news for England's chances of putting in a strong performance.
Ghana are not a side England should be taking lightly either. They have quality in certain areas and will be well organised, knowing a result against the English would make serious waves in their group. England will need their best players available and ready, so Saka being in and around the squad is exactly the kind of update fans were hoping to hear.
All being well, the hope will be that Saka gets some minutes under his belt and reminds everyone just how good he is on the biggest stage. England need him, and right now, it looks like they might just have him. Let me know your thoughts.