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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Simon Peach

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were ‘desperate’ to play for England – Thomas Tuchel

Declan Rice, left, and Bukayo Saka pulled out of England’s squad (Joe Giddens/Nick Potts/PA) -

Thomas Tuchel says Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were desperate to play for England but felt the risk of the Arsenal duo aggravating injuries was “way too big” at this stage of the season.

The German coach picked an expanded 35-man squad for the final camp before making his World Cup selection, with the first wave of players joined by 11 established names on Friday.

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