Tuchel was not disappointed with the English players withdrawing from the squad

England manager Thomas Tuchel said on Monday he was not disappointed to see players withdraw from his squad ahead of the friendly against Japan at Wembley. He described the absences as an inevitable consequence of the heavy workload late in the club season. After drawing 1-1 with Uruguay in a friendly on Friday, eight players left the camp due to health and injury problems.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, defender Fikayo Tomori and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin were among those who left. Defender John Stones returned to Manchester City after picking up an injury ahead of Friday’s match, while Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Arsenal winger Noni Madueke were injured during the match.

Madueke’s Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have also returned to the north London club.

“Disappointed, but not about the players, about the fact that we want everyone in a good mood and in health,” Tuchel told reporters. “It’s the reality of the end of the season and the end of March, the reality of having players in European games and more than just one competition with all the cups.

«We have players in camp who have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern. The players needed and deserved a mental break from football. We could see the energy with which they came back to camp and are now recommitting in the new environment.»

«We want them to perform in their clubs, but the reality is that this is our last camp before we go to America, so we want to get back to our principles. It’s disappointing, but I’m not angry with the players, I’m not angry.»

«I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come. Some injured players even stayed to do their treatment, which shows that they want to be part of the group. No one left straight away, the atmosphere is good and that’s how it should be.»

England has time

After Tuesday’s friendly with Japan, England will play Costa Rica next month as preparations for the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, intensify on June 11.

Tuchel was asked how England compares to other teams, such as France DFS4JSz.

«I don’t know. You can’t compare. You’ve seen our line-up and opponent, it’s just March,» said the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager.

«We’re happy with the way we’ve done our camp so far. I know it wasn’t the prettiest watch, but I know we played against a well-coached team and the best possible lineup from Uruguay.»

Published on March 30, 2026