Thomas Tuchel defends Arsenal stars Saka and Rice over England withdrawals

Thomas Tuchel defends Arsenal stars Saka and Rice over England withdrawals

England boss Thomas Tuchel has defender Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka after the returned to Arsenal rather than play the friendly against Japan on Tuesday (March 31).

The Three Lions are due to face Japan at Wembley in their final game of the March international break as Tuchel analyses his options.

He will be without Arsenal duo Rice and Saka, however, who have both returned to the North London club for ‘medical assessment.’

“I understand the looks of it,” Tuchel said when asked about the withdrawals.

“I still have 100% trust in the honesty of Declan and Bukayo. We did medical tests. I saw them. I have no reason to believe that either are not honest with me.

“But given the amount of Arsenal players, I understand the look. They wanted desperately to be involved – just to get the narrative straight. But they were both clearly in discomfort.”