England has begun a major squad reshuffle ahead of the match with Japan. Injuries have come in quick succession, and manager Thomas Tuchel (53) is undertaking a final check before announcing the World Cup final roster.
British newspaper Daily Mail reported on the 29th (Korean time), "Eight players have been released from the England squad." England reorganized the squad after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay on the 28th. Tuchel is conducting a final test during this international window after calling up 35 players to decide the final list to take to this summer's World Cup.
The most notable names are Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice (both Arsenal). Both players missed the Uruguay match and have returned to their clubs for detailed examinations. Both are key assets likely to make the final World Cup roster if they recover to full fitness.
Another Arsenal player, Noni Madueke, was also substituted in the first half of the Uruguay match due to injury and has returned to London. As a result, three Arsenal players have left the England squad at the same time.
There were departures in the defense as well. John Stones, who has been at the heart of England's defense in recent years, suffered an injury during training and has returned to his club Manchester City. Stones has struggled with frequent injuries throughout this season, and locally there are predictions that this season could be his last at Man City.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace was also released after being brought on as a substitute in the second half of the Uruguay match and sustaining an injury. Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also left the squad, but the Football Association has not yet disclosed the reasons for their departures.
Meanwhile, the key players who had been given rest will rejoin ahead of the Japan match. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, along with Niko O'Riley, Ezri Konsa, Mark Gehi, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane are expected to join the national team camp.
Kane's return in particular is seen as a factor that could change the mood for the Japan match. England showed a lack of presence up front against Uruguay. Tuchel plans to effectively finalize the starting combinations and the outline of the World Cup final roster through the Japan match.
Meanwhile, Ben White, who left the national team after clashing with senior coach Steve Holland during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has remained with the England squad this time. He made his return appearance after being substituted on in the Uruguay match. However, the atmosphere at the stadium was cold. White was booed by some fans both when he was brought on and when he scored. He also conceded a penalty that led to Federico Valverde's equalizer, leaving a sense of regret.
England will face Japan at London's Wembley Stadium on Apr. 1. Japan are coming off a 1-0 win over Scotland and have built momentum. The Daily Mail noted, "For Tuchel and the players, the final survival battle before the World Cup begins."
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