England's World Cup preparations have suffered another blow after John Stones, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke withdrew from the squad ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Japan. Stones pulled out with a calf injury, while the Arsenal trio returned to their club for assessment on minor issues.
Thomas Tuchel had named an oversized 35-man squad for the camp, with 11 players including Rice and Saka allowed to join late. However, five of the eight players now leaving have done so due to injury. Madueke limped off in Friday's 0-0 draw with Uruguay, leaving Wembley with his left leg in a brace.
The fitness concerns have disrupted Tuchel's plans to finalise his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Rice and Saka are key players, while Stones' absence raises doubts about his place given his limited game time this season.
Other departures include Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Adam Wharton. Harry Maguire and Ben White remain in contention, while Phil Foden is expected to feature against Japan despite a heavy tackle.
Tuchel has expressed support for mid-half water breaks, which FIFA will introduce at the World Cup to combat heat. 'I can speak to my players, get quality time with them,' he said, noting that Uruguay denied a water break request during Friday's match.
