Thomas Tuchel axes eight players from England's World Cup warm-up camp as Japan clash looms

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The departures leave Tuchel with a reduced group of 27 players for the Japan encounter.Madueke departs following a heavy fall on his left knee during Friday's stalemate, sparking significant concern for both the manager and fans.The 24-year-old was withdrawn in the 37th minute after a forceful challenge from Rodrigo Aguirre and was subsequently observed leaving the stadium wearing a protective brace.Tuchel admitted: I'm worried, of course, because I think he was a difference-maker. He started well, he was full of energy, he was ready to go. Very sad and upset and hopefully it's not a big injury.The German coach added that against opponents like Uruguay, who favour individual duels, Madueke's ability to create space could make him a crucial figure.Stones was forced to withdraw from the camp after sustaining a calf problem during training prior to the Uruguay fixture, having been in contention to start the match.Tuchel offered his support to the Manchester City defender, saying: He's obviously very upset and at the moment he gets my full support because it helps him more than putting more pressure.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton also picked up an injury after entering as a second-half substitute against the South Americans.LATEST SPORT NEWSThomas Tuchel's risk backfires as England fans boo Three Lions player in World Cup warm-up clashJordan Henderson makes feelings clear after England fans boo Ben White in Uruguay drawThomas Tuchel and Harry Maguire angry at the same thing after England slump to Uruguay drawNewcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin complete the list of departures, though the reasons for their release remain unclear.The remaining 27-man squad will be strengthened by fresh arrivals who were given the opening week off by Tuchel.Captain Harry Kane, along with Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Morgan Rogers, have now reported for duty ahead of the Wembley fixture.Tuchel had previously explained his strategy of dividing the camp into two phases.He said the move allowed him to assess players who had received limited opportunities while managing workloads during a demanding season.The manager said: This is our last camp. The last opportunity to impress and the last opportunity for players to compete for their ticket.England face Croatia in their World Cup opener in Arlington, Texas, on June 17.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter