England team set to face Japan: Which members are still part of Thomas Tuchel’s 35-player roster?

Thomas Tuchel’s final England roster prior to finalizing his squad for the World Cup has certainly sparked some discussion.

Asking for 35 players was quite surprising, as was the revelation that participants would arrive at varying times based on their playing minutes for their clubs this season.

Nevertheless, several players have since departed the camp for various reasons following Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.

With the upcoming match against Japan on March 31, England’s last home fixture before the World Cup, some players are viewing this as their final opportunity to secure a place behind Tuchel on the transatlantic flight this summer.

What prompted Tuchel to select such a large England squad?

Choosing a 35-man squad is not a practice seen with previous managers, but there may be a rationale behind Tuchel’s approach.

In addition to wanting to evaluate different players and provide them with a chance to earn a spot for the summer, Tuchel aims to avoid overworking a group of key players who have been instrumental for their clubs this season and would benefit from additional rest ahead of what is expected to be a demanding few months.

Consider Harry Kane: the England captain has been prolific in the Bundesliga and Champions League, netting 48 goals in 40 matches across all competitions this season.

However, after logging over 3,000 minutes already and with Bayern Munich likely to progress deep into the Champions League, those minutes will only continue to rise—envision this England squad with a fatigued Harry Kane, or worse, without him…

Kane was among 11 players who were scheduled to join the England camp only after Friday’s match against Uruguay.

A similar rationale applied to Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, both of whom are expected starters this summer but have logged 2,869 minutes and 3,462 minutes respectively. Both Arsenal players returned to their club over the weekend due to injury concerns.

Tuchel’s choice to adopt a new strategy regarding player welfare could yield benefits in the long term.

Which England players joined the squad late?

Captain Kane is one of 11 players who had the previous week off, only arriving at St George’s Park after the match against Uruguay, with Tuchel citing their minutes played as the primary reason. From this group, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have since returned to Arsenal.

Tuchel stated when announcing his squad: “These players have accumulated 3,500 minutes, some even 4,000 minutes [this season].

“More significant than the sheer number of minutes is that some of these individuals have played more minutes than they did throughout the entirety of last season.

“All of these players have made contributions in September, October, and November.

“They have my trust. Providing them with a mental and physical break will be beneficial for us.”

Who participated in the match against Uruguay?

In goal, James Trafford made his international debut just days after starting in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal.

The second debutant was Everton’s James Garner, who started in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson.

Phil Foden was deployed at number 10 in an attack that also included Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, and Dominic Solanke.

In front of Trafford, the defensive line consisted of Tino Livramento, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire, and Djed Spence.

The newly recalled Ben White had a hectic return to the England setup, scoring what appeared to be a late winner after coming off the bench, only to concede the penalty that allowed Federico Valverde to equalize for Uruguay in stoppage time.

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Tuchel’s England squad vs. Uruguay

Starting XI: James Trafford (Manchester City), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), James Garner (Everton), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).

Subs used: Ben White (Arsenal), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds), Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United).

Players who joined after the Uruguay match:

Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Elliot Anderson, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Dean Henderson.

England squad adjustments for the match against Japan

Following Friday’s match, eight players have returned to their clubs. John Stones was set to start in defense but had to withdraw due to a calf injury and has since returned to Manchester City.

Noni Madueke started the game but left the pitch limping and was later seen departing Wembley with a knee brace. He leaves the camp alongside Adam Wharton, who also played against Uruguay but sustained a knock.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka did not participate on Friday but nonetheless contribute to Arsenal’s injury issues, having been ruled out of the match against Japan.

Phil Foden has not been released from the squad, but his participation remains uncertain after he limped off on Friday following a challenging tackle from Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both played in the recent draw. Along with Aaron Ramsdale, they have returned to their clubs without any apparent injury issues ahead of Tuesday’s second match.

The players who have been retained in the squad provide clear indications of who else may be in contention for the summer trip, not forgetting the injured players such as Reece James, who seems likely to be included if fit.

Dean Henderson, who is almost certain to be the No. 2 goalkeeper this summer, may receive a rare opportunity to start for his country after having a week off to allow Pickford some rest.

A return to the team appears probable for Burn, Guehi, and O’Reilly, but it remains to be seen who will join them at right back.

Anderson seems almost guaranteed to start this match barring any health issues and is likely to be accompanied by either Rogers, as Jude Bellingham will not be risked.

In the attacking lineup, it seems Kane will be supported by a combination of Gordon or Rashford.

Who is available to face Japan?

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben White (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)