England boss Thomas Tuchel dismisses talk of foul play regarding Arsenal player withdrawals

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: England manager Thomas Tuchel speaks to the media during a press conference at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 30, 2026 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Bradley Collyer - Pool/Getty Images).

England manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted he’s “not disappointed” with the players who have had to withdraw from camp during the March international break.

Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke were forced to leave, along with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Manchester City defender John Stones.

It’s likely to significantly change the German head coach’s plans for the upcoming friendly against Japan.

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Given the heavy slant towards Gunners withdrawals, with as many as 10 international players in total withdrawing early and heading back to north London, there has been a creeping suspicion of foul play from title-chasing Arsenal.

While not naming Arsenal, their players or that situation in a recent press conference, Tuchel has poured cold water over any such thoughts.

Tuchel believes the withdrawing stars "desperately" wanted to stay with the camp (Image credit: Getty Images)

“We had an assessment after the match and none of them were able to stay and get any minutes, so we released them,” the Three Lions boss said.

“They had a medical assessment, they wanted desperately to play, just to get the narrative straight, they wanted desperately to get involved but it just made no sense to take this risk.

“Everyone will be out for quite some days but not dramatically.”

Tuchel is, of course, not best pleased at having some of his best talent missing, but accepts there is nothing anyone can do about it.

“We are disappointed but not disappointed with the players,” he continued. “We want everyone in good spirits and in [good] health but it’s the reality of the season and being in March, having players that are in European matches in more than just one competition.

This is the last England camp before heading to America this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

“There are some red flags and some concerns. I think some players needed the mental break from football. We could see that in the energy when they came back into camp but this is also our last camp before America.

“I am not upset or angry with the players, I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come.

“Some of the injured players even started their treatment here, which shows me they are desperate to be around the group.

“Everyone was more affected to leave than being able to stay.”