- Eight England players withdrew ahead of the Japan friendly
- Thomas Tuchel said he was disappointed but not angry with the players
- The withdrawals were linked to fatigue and end-of-season demands
England manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted he is “not angry” despite eight players withdrawing from the squad ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Japan.
The players—Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noni Madueke, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori and Adam Wharton—all pulled out following Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley.
The fixture marked England’s final training camp before the deadline for naming squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the Japan match, Tuchel admitted he felt disappointed but stressed that his frustration was not directed at the players themselves.
“I am disappointed, but not with the players,” he said. “We want everyone in good spirits and good health.”
The withdrawals have reduced the size of the squad, with coaching staff attributing the situation to a combination of precautionary measures and planned rotation. Tuchel highlighted the physical and mental toll of a demanding season, particularly for players involved in European competitions and domestic fixtures.
“It’s the reality of the end of the season,” he explained. “We have players who have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern. The players needed and deserved the mental break from football.”
Despite the disruption, Tuchel praised the attitude within the camp, noting that many players remained committed and stayed behind to continue treatment and support the team.
“I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come. No one left straight away. It’s a good spirit, and that’s how it should be,” he added.
The England manager had initially named an expanded 35-man squad for the friendlies, dividing players into two groups—one consisting largely of fringe players and the other of regular starters. The approach was designed to rebuild cohesion and reinforce tactical principles ahead of the World Cup.
England are set to continue their preparations with further friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica in June before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June.
They will then face Ghana on 23 June and Panama on 27 June, as they aim to make a strong impression in the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.