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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
David Hytner

SHOCKING: Thomas tuchel has 100 trust in rice and saka over england injury absences - You Need To See This

Thomas Tuchel, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka during England training at St George’s Park
Thomas Tuchel said of Declan Rice’s and Bukayo Saka’s injury situation: ‘I have no reason to believe that either are not honest with me.’ Photograph: George Wass/PPAUK/Shutterstock

Thomas Tuchel has plotted a diplomatic course through the storm that has followed the withdrawals of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the England squad, saying the optics may look bad but he has “100% trust” in their integrity.

The England head coach gave Rice and Saka last week off, letting them rest rather than play in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Wembley on Friday – along with nine others. His idea was to have all 11 back for the game against Japan on Tuesday, also at Wembley, for which he would release a group of players.

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