England Coach Tuchel: 'We Have Time' to Prepare for World Cup

Tuchel downplays England squad issues ahead of Japan friendly

England manager Thomas Tuchel says his team has time to prepare for the World Cup after squad hit by injuries.

“We are happy with the way we have done our camp until now...”

Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, isn't disappointed with the players who withdrew from the squad ahead of the Japan friendly at Wembley. He views the absences as an inevitable consequence of heavy workloads late in the club season.

Eight players, including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, defender Fikayo Tomori, and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, left the camp due to health and injury issues after the 1-1 draw with Uruguay.

Tuchel emphasized that he's not upset with the players, saying, “Disappointed but not with the players, with the fact we want to have everyone in good spirits and health.” He added that the players needed a mental break from football and showed energy when they returned to camp.

Work in motion ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/txg3sURUXg

— England (@England) March 29, 2026

Injury woes also saw John Stones return to Manchester City, while Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Arsenal's Noni Madueke got injured during the game. Arsenal's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have also left, heading back to North London. 

“It's the reality of the end of the season and the end of March, the reality of having players in European matches and more than just one competition with all the cups going on,” Tuchel told reporters.

“We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern. ⁠The players needed and deserved the mental break from football. We could see the energy with which they came back into camp and to reconnect now in the new environment.

“We want them to perform in their clubs, but the reality is it's our ‌last camp before we leave to America, so we want to reconnect to our principles. It's disappointing, but I'm not upset with the players, I'm not angry.

“I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come. Some of the injured players even stayed to do their treatment, that shows they want to be around the group. No one left straight away, it's a good spirit, and that's how it should be.”

We're live from @SpursOfficial's training ground where Thomas Tuchel – followed by Elliot Anderson – will preview tomorrow's game against Japan 🗣️ https://t.co/7ba4lJWK8n

— England (@England) March 30, 2026

 

England's World Cup Prep: Time to Shine?

Thomas Tuchel has emphasized that England has time to prepare for the World Cup, with friendlies against Japan and Costa Rica ahead of the tournament. The Three Lions will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L, kicking off against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, Texas.

“We are happy with the way we have done our camp until now. I know it wasn't the nicest ⁠watch, but I know we ⁠played against a well-coached side ‌and best possible line-up of Uruguay.”

Comparing Favorites: England vs. France and Spain

When asked how England compares to teams like France, Tuchel remained focused on his team's preparation. Gary Lineker, a former England star, thinks Spain and France are favorites to win, with England as a strong contender. Lineker believes England has progressed sufficiently but faces stiff competition.

Tuchel's Squad Decisions

Tuchel has been assessing his squad, with Harry Maguire's experience and leadership valued, despite being fifth choice behind Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, and John Stones. The squad has been hit by injuries, with players like Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing the camp.

 Can England Shine at the World Cup?