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Thomas Tuchel has cut his England group to 27 for Tuesday’s friendly with Japan, with three Arsenal players among those heading home and World Cup places still on the line.
Arsenal Trio Add Injury Worry to England Shake-Up
Eight players have left England’s training camp after Friday’s flat draw with Uruguay, and the biggest concern is around Arsenal’s contingent.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, both absent against Uruguay, have returned to their club for medical assessment. Noni Madueke has also gone back to north London after limping off in the first half.
For Tuchel, it is awkward timing. Saka and Rice are both expected to be on the plane for the World Cup if fit, so this looks more like damage control than a genuine selection twist.
Tuchel Makes His Final Checks Before World Cup Call
Tuchel named a 35-man squad for this camp as he takes one last proper look at his options before confirming his World Cup squad in May.
The Uruguay game gave fringe players a chance to force their way into the picture, but England’s display did little to settle nerves. The performance was short on spark, and supporters made that plain.
Now the focus shifts to Japan on Tuesday, with places still up for grabs in what feels like a last-chance audition for several names on the edge.
More Departures Leave Questions Unanswered
John Stones is also out after suffering an injury in training on Friday, another setback in a season that has already been full of fitness problems.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has left camp too after picking up an issue following his second-half appearance against Uruguay.
Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also departed, though England have not yet clarified the reason for each exit.
Fresh Faces Return for Japan Friendly
A separate group will now link back up with the squad for the Japan match after being rested during the first part of the international window.
Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane are all set to rejoin the camp.
That gives Tuchel a fresh batch to assess, and for players on the bubble, it is one more shot to make the manager’s life difficult before the final World Cup call lands.
Ben White Stays in the Picture Despite Mixed Return
Ben White will remain with England after returning to the national setup for the first time since leaving the camp during the 2022 World Cup following a clash with former assistant Steve Holland.
His comeback has not been completely smooth. White was booed by some fans when he came on against Uruguay and again after scoring.
He then gave away the penalty that Federico Valverde converted for the equaliser, capping an eventful night in an England shirt that was anything but quiet.
