Declan Rice leads FIVE stars in pulling out of England duty - with just two new players called up - as Thomas Tuchel faces exodus after his stern warning

Declan Rice is the new big name among a five-man England exodus - days after Thomas Tuchel warned his players of a need to 'step up' to prove their worth after the World Cup.

Rice, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento have all now pulled out of Tuchel's squad - with Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner of Everton the only replacements.

Arsenal midfielder Rice played the full 90 minutes of their defeat by Brighton on Saturday but has been declared unavailable for England. The Gunners are yet to offer any other details on his injury.

Chelsea sources say Palmer has a muscular injury, while Manchester United boss Michael Carrick said Rashford had an 'issue' after their weekend draw with Fulham. Mainoo was also assessed over an injury today.

Livramento was forced to pull out of the World Cup squad with a calf injury, did not play for Newcastle United at the weekend and is yet to start a game this season.

England are due to face 2026 World Cup winners Spain first, before two games against Czechia and another versus Croatia. Tuchel is scheduled to speak this Friday, when he will be able to offer his opinion on losing five players.