England Hit The Nets Sans Star Names; Race For European Play-offs Spots Heats Up

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka “wanted desperately” to play in this international break, England coach Thomas Tuchel said Monday after the Arsenal stars joined a list of players from the Premier League leader citing injury issues. Ten Arsenal players in the past week either did not join their national team or left camp early as coach Mikel Arteta’s team chases three trophies, including a first English title in 22 years. England drew to Uruguay in their last game at Wembley. Elsewhere, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina will battle it out for the WC spot with the Azzurri touted as favourites.

Updated on: 31 March 2026 10:47 am

Published at: 31 March 2026 10:44 am

England's Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly, and Harry Kane with team mates during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England's Lewis Hall and Harry Kane, right, exercise during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England manager Thomas Tuchel during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England's Harry Maguire exercises during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England's Harry Kane, right, exercises during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England's Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England's James Garner and Cole Palmer during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP

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England's Jude Bellingham, right, exercises during a training session in London. | Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA via AP