Key keywords: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Bukayo Saka, England men's national football team, full squad training, Ghana international friendly, Three Lions, Arsenal winger, Gareth Southgate, Premier League star The England national team received a major fitness boost ahead of their upcoming international friendly against Ghana and subsequent 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures, as star winger Bukayo Saka joined full group training on Wednesday at St George’s Park. The 22-year-old Arsenal talisman had been a minor doubt for the international break after picking up a minor hamstring tweak during Arsenal’s recent Premier League clash with Manchester City, leading to fears he would be sidelined for both the Ghana friendly and England’s qualifier against Belgium later this month. Saka’s return to full training comes as welcome news for manager Gareth Southgate, who has relied heavily on the wide player as a core part of his first XI since Saka made his senior England debut in 2020. Over the past four years, Saka has earned 32 senior caps for the Three Lions, scoring 11 goals and registering 8 assists, including standout performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar where he helped England reach the quarter-finals. His current form for Arsenal has been equally impressive, with 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions so far this season, making him one of the most productive wide players in European top-flight football. Team insiders confirmed that Saka completed every element of the training session without any discomfort, and is in contention to start against Ghana when the two sides meet at Wembley Stadium on Friday. Southgate noted in his pre-match press conference that while Saka’s fitness will be monitored closely in the final 24 hours before kickoff, his presence in full training is a positive sign for both the Ghana friendly and the upcoming World Cup qualifier. The match against Ghana is viewed as a critical warm-up for England’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, as the African side boasts a squad packed with Premier League talent including Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew, and Newcastle United midfielder Mohammed Kudus, providing a high-intensity test for Southgate’s squad ahead of their competitive fixture against Belgium. England currently sit top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, with four wins from four matches, and Saka’s availability is expected to strengthen their chances of extending their perfect record as they push to secure their spot in the 2026 tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Fans across the country have welcomed the news of Saka’s return, with many noting that his combination of pace, dribbling ability, and end product makes him irreplaceable in England’s attacking line-up.