Tuchel Explains Rice and Saka Withdrawals: "The Risk Was Too Great"

Thomas Tuchel has shed light on the circumstances surrounding Arsenal's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka pulling out of the England squad, with the Three Lions boss confirming both men reported feeling unwell during medical checks.

The pair were among three players to withdraw ahead of Tuesday's clash with Japan at Wembley, alongside Noni Madueke. All three were due to return to their club for further assessment, with their availability for this weekend's FA Cup tie against Southampton remaining uncertain.

Rice and Saka had already sat out Friday's 1-1 stalemate with Uruguay, and Tuchel moved to explain the thinking behind allowing them to depart the camp.

"They wanted desperately to play to get the narrative straight, but it made no sense to take the risk," the England manager told his pre-match press conference on Monday.

"If it was the last game of the season we would have kept them, but in this moment of the season it did not make sense. The risk for making it was way too big. They were both clearly in discomfort when we did the medical assessment. It made absolutely no sense that they stayed."

Madueke's situation differed slightly—he started against Uruguay before being withdrawn with a knee injury and subsequently appeared in a protective cast. Yet Tuchel insisted he harbours no grievance with any of the players involved in the withdrawals.

The boss acknowledged the broader context facing modern football management. With players competing across multiple competitions and already accumulating substantial minutes, managing fatigue and injury risk becomes a delicate balancing act.

"Disappointed but not with the players, with the fact we want to have everyone in good spirits and health," Tuchel explained.

"It's the reality of end of the season and the end March, the reality of having players in European matches and more than just one competition with all the cups going on. We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern."

Tuchel also reflected on the mental demands placed on international squad members, particularly after a gruelling domestic campaign. The players, he suggested, had earned their brief respite and returned to camp with renewed energy.

"The players needed and deserved the mental break from football. We could see the energy with which they came back into camp," he said.

What struck Tuchel most was the commitment shown by those dealing with injuries. Rather than departing immediately, several remained to undergo treatment and continue engaging with the group—a sign, in his view, of the squad's collective spirit.

"Some of the injured players even stayed and started their treatment here. Had another dinner, another night, another breakfast. Everyone was more affected to leave than being able to stay."

With this being England's final gathering before heading to America, Tuchel emphasised the importance of reconnecting with the team's core principles. Despite the disruption caused by injuries, he expressed confidence about the challenge ahead.

"We will have a strong team tomorrow. Today everyone is in training – full choice. We have some fresh legs back so excited for tomorrow."