Thomas Tuchel has insisted that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were desperate to play for England, despite leaving the squad amid a spate of Arsenal withdrawals that have raised eyebrows. The England manager stressed that both players underwent medical assessments and wanted to feature in Tuesday's friendly against Japan, but it made no sense to risk them at this stage of the season.
Rice and Saka were among 11 established names to join the expanded 35-man squad on Friday, only to leave the following day. They were joined by Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke, who sustained an injury in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay. The departures of ten Arsenal players from international duty have sparked suspicions of club priorities, but Tuchel dismissed such talk.
“They joined, had a medical assessment, wanted desperately to play, to just get the narrative straight,” Tuchel said. “Wanted desperately to be involved. But it made just no sense to take this risk. If it would have been maybe a last game of the season, we would have kept them and tried everything. But in this moment of the season, it did not make sense.”
Tuchel, who noted that England were aware of the pair’s “issues” after the Carabao Cup final, added: “I understand the look of it. I still have 100 per cent trust in the honesty of Bukayo and Declan. We did medical tests. I saw them. I have no reason to believe that Declan is not honest with me. I have no reason to believe Bukayo is not honest. But given the amount of Arsenal players, I understand the look.”
Rice, who Tuchel says feels 70 per cent fit, trained with Jude Bellingham but complained of discomfort, while Saka did two gym sessions in a bid to prove fitness. Meanwhile, Ben White is expected to feature against Japan after making an eventful return to the side on Friday, scoring an own goal and conceding a penalty. Tuchel expressed disappointment at the booing White received from Wembley fans and hopes for no repeat if he plays.
