By Liberty Nicholson-Hulse
Thomas Tuchel’s England team are entering the final phase of their preparations for World Cup 2026 under mounting pressure.
Injuries, fatigue and a lack of attacking options, along with underwhelming home performances, culminated in a disappointing defeat to Japan at Wembley.
The absence of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka was a significant blow for England’s final friendly. The situation worsened when Noni Madueke also left for treatment after the opening match against Uruguay.
Fitness worries
The fitness concerns surrounding the Arsenal players has meant that Tuchel’s experimental, extended squad has not exactly gone to plan.
The German indicated that some individuals would be cut from the group ahead of the Japan friendly; however, five of the eight players who left the camp did so because of injury.
Additionally, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Manchester City’s John Stones returned to their clubs due to injury.
Tuchel, concerned about his side’s workload, had planned to rest some players by letting them join the squad later for the Japan game.
Concern for manager
Tuchel admitted the physical condition of his squad is a growing issue as the tournament approaches.
“We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern,” he said.
According to Tuchel, the players deserve a “mental break from football” after a long season and gruelling schedules.
He pointed to the relentless calendar faced by his players, as many are balancing domestic leagues, European competitions and cup fixtures.
“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,” he added.
“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,” he said.
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No clear back-up for absent Kane
The bigger concern, however, remains the availability of captain Harry Kane. The striker missed the Japan game after suffering a “minor issue” during training.
On the pitch, England struggled without Kane’s focal presence.
Phil Foden played as a false nine against Japan but failed to make an impact, highlighting England’s lack of attacking depth and creativity.
When asked about Foden’s place in his final World Cup squad, Tuchel was clear that the player’s selection was “not a guarantee”.
While Foden had impressed in training, Tuchel acknowledged he “struggles to show it on the pitch”.
Attempts to find a reliable alternative have so far fallen short.
Neither Dominic Solanke nor Dominic Calvert-Lewin impressed enough during the camp to make a strong case. The coach cut Calvert-Lewin alongside Aaron Ramsdale and Fikayo Tomori.
Squad issues cloud England’s World Cup prep
England breezed through World Cup qualification, winning all eight games without conceding. Yet after the loss to Japan, critics question whether the Three Lions can handle elite opposition.
Although Tuchel experimented with line-ups in recent friendlies, a move unlikely in a major tournament, many saw it as risky.
He should have used these matches to build cohesion and finalise his best starting side, especially since qualification offered few real challenges.
With no camps left before the 30 May squad deadline and the World Cup looming, concerns over fitness continue to shadow Tuchel’s side.
England will face Costa Rica and New Zealand in Florida warm-ups before meeting Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
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