England manager Thomas Tuchel has clarified the circumstances behind the withdrawals of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the national squad, insisting both Arsenal players were eager to feature in Tuesday’s friendly against Japan but were ruled out due to injury risks. The issue has become a focal point as England navigate their final preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with a series of withdrawals raising questions about club versus country priorities.
Tuchel stated on Monday that Rice and Saka, along with Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke, were among five England players to pull out due to injury concerns following the 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley. Both Rice and Saka had joined the squad later than most to allow for additional rest and had been present in the stands for Friday’s match.
The pair underwent medical assessments upon arrival. “They wanted desperately to play, to just get the story straight,” Tuchel said. “The risk for making it worse was just way too big. They were both clearly in discomfort when we did the medical assessment, so it made absolutely no sense that they stayed.” Tuchel reiterated this point in multiple press conferences, aiming to dispel online suggestions that the players’ injuries were exaggerated or fabricated to prioritise Arsenal’s treble ambitions.
The timing of these withdrawals has prompted speculation, given that Arsenal are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and remain contenders in both the Champions League and FA Cup. With ten Arsenal players reportedly withdrawing from their respective national teams in recent days, questions have emerged about possible club influence on player availability for international friendlies.
However, Tuchel was adamant there was no agenda. “It made no sense not to release them,” he said, explaining that if it had been the last game of the season or a competitive fixture, they might have taken more risks with player fitness.
In addition to Rice, Saka, and Madueke, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton also withdrew from the England squad, citing discomfort rather than a major injury. Manchester City defender John Stones left before the Uruguay match due to a calf issue.
Stones’ ongoing fitness challenges were highlighted by his limited club appearances, just five for City since last featuring for england in November. Tuchel noted, “He is a key player for us, as a starter or as a substitute.”
Tuchel assembled an expanded 35-man England squad for this international window, splitting participants between two matches, Uruguay and Japan, to manage workloads amid congested domestic schedules. The manager acknowledged that several squad members have already played more minutes this season than last year. “There is some concern,” he admitted, pointing out that many players are still active in European competitions and multiple domestic cups.
Despite frustration at having to operate without key personnel during this important camp, the final one before World Cup squads are named, Tuchel maintained he was not upset with any individuals involved. “I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come. Some of the injured players even stayed to do their treatment here; that shows they want to be around the group,” he said.
This camp carries added significance as it is England’s final opportunity for tactical preparation before travelling to America for the World Cup this summer. The deadline for squad selection falls on 30 May, with friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica set for June.
England begin their group stage campaign against Croatia on 17 June before facing Ghana and Panama.
While neither Rice nor Saka is understood to have suffered a serious injury, Tuchel’s comments suggested both could be available for Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final next month. Their participation in this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Southampton remains uncertain pending further medical evaluation at club level.
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As attention shifts toward England’s World Cup preparations and Mikel Arteta assesses options for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, Tuchel’s insistence on prioritising player welfare over short-term gains remains central, especially in what he calls “the reality of end-of-season football.”
