Eight England players leave camp ahead of Japan clash

Tuchel faces major reshuffle as injury crisis hits national team ahead of World Cup warm-up match

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer match or training session, with the players' forms and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the official colors of the England and Japan national teams.England's injury crisis ahead of the Japan friendly exposes the depth of their World Cup squad as Tuchel searches for solutions.Arlington Today

Eight players have left the England national team camp ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Japan at Wembley Stadium due to injuries and health issues. The departures include several high-profile stars from the Premier League, significantly depleting manager Thomas Tuchel's original 35-man squad. This exodus follows a 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday and leaves Tuchel with limited defensive and midfield options as England's World Cup preparations enter a critical phase.

Why it matters

The loss of key players like John Stones, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka is a major blow to England's plans as they look to build momentum ahead of the World Cup in June. However, this crisis also provides an opportunity for peripheral players to stake their claim for a spot in the final 26-man squad, which has been expanded for the tournament.

The details

The eight players who have left the England camp are John Stones, Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Several of them, including Stones, Wharton, and Madueke, picked up injuries during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday. The departures have left Tuchel's defensive and midfield options significantly depleted, but the manager remains optimistic that the squad depth will be tested and proven during this challenging period.

  • On March 25, England drew 1-1 with Uruguay in a friendly at Wembley Stadium.
  • On March 26, eight players left the England camp due to injuries and health issues.
  • The friendly against Japan is scheduled for March 28 at Wembley Stadium.

The players

Thomas Tuchel

The manager of the England national team who must now ring the changes to his squad ahead of the Japan friendly.

John Stones

A Manchester City defender who has returned to his club after sustaining an injury prior to the Uruguay match.

Adam Wharton

An England player who was forced off during the Uruguay friendly with a distinct knock.

Noni Madueke

An Arsenal player who was also forced off during the Uruguay match with a distinct knock.

Declan Rice

An Arsenal midfielder who has returned to North London for assessment.

Bukayo Saka

An Arsenal player who has also returned to North London for assessment.

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What they’re saying

“Tuchel remains optimistic despite the current setbacks. He believes the squad depth will be tested and proven throughout this challenging period.”

— Thomas Tuchel, England Manager

What’s next

Tuesday's encounter with Japan remains a sell-out at Wembley. Fans should expect a heavily rotated lineup as Tuchel searches for tactical solutions. The manager aims to conclude the March break with a victory to build momentum.

The takeaway

England's World Cup preparations have hit a major roadblock with the loss of several key players, but this crisis also presents an opportunity for fringe players to prove their worth and secure a spot in the final 26-man squad. Tuchel will need to rely on the depth of his squad to navigate this challenging period and maintain momentum ahead of the June tournament.