Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, defended the decision to allow Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice to return to Arsenal and miss England's friendly against Japan.

The pair had already been granted permission to miss last Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and it had been anticipated that they would play some part in Tuesday’s game, which represents the last time the Three Lions will be in action before Tuchel picks his World Cup squad.

However, both players have returned to Arsenal’s training base to receive treatment ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Southampton.

Saka and Rice, the latter of whom has already played 50 games over the course of a demanding campaign for club and country, are among a group of 10 Arsenal stars who have all pulled out of their international squads for various reasons, but Tuchel is adamant there is nothing sinister afoot with two of his most senior players.

"They wanted desperately to play to get the narrative straight, but it made no sense to make the risk," said Tuchel at his pre-match press conference.

"If it was the last game of the season we would have kept them, but in this moment of the season it did not make sense. The risk for making it was way too big. They were both clearly in discomfort when we did the medical assessment. It made absolutely no sense that they stayed."

Noni Madueke has also returned to Arsenal after he suffered a knee injury against Uruguay and was seen wearing a cast as he trudged through the mixed zone.

Tuchel added: "It helps them go back to clubs and perform. We want them to perform in their clubs, but it is also our last camp before America, so we want to reconnect to our principles. I’m not upset or angry with the players".

"I got the feeling that everyone was desperate to come. Some of the injured players even stayed to do their treatment, that shows they want to be around the group. No one left straight away, it’s a good spirit and that’s how it should be".

Asked if he was disappointed at the disruption he has encountered at such a crucial point in his tenure, Tuchel said: "Not disappointed with the players, disappointed with the fact".

"It’s the reality of the season, the reality of the end of March, reality of players involved in more than one competition. We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern. The players deserve the mental break from football, and we could see the energy with which they came back to camp in a new environment".

Tuchel will at least have his skipper, Harry Kane, to call on after he missed Friday’s friendly.

"I have some ideas, but I will not make them public," said Tuchel when asked if he was concerned England would again be overly reliant on their record goalscorer this summer.

"I am happy Harry is back in camp, and he will lead the team tomorrow on the pitch. We have some options".