Thomas Tuchel has given an update on the fitness of his England playersEngland manager Thomas Tuchel has disclosed that Arsenal pair Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were "desperate" to play against Japan, but fitness concerns prevented their participation. The duo, along with club colleague Noni Madueke, were dismissed from the Three Lions camp on Saturday in advance of Tuesday's international friendly. Rice and Saka were both present at Wembley on Friday evening to witness their England colleagues draw 1-1 with Uruguay. Tuchel did clarify he wasn't disappointed with any of his players, with John Stones and Adam Wharton also withdrawing from his squad, for their unavailability. We've given players time to rest, we have players in camp who have already played more minutes than they did last season.

Source: Express March 30, 2026 12:23 UTC