Thomas Tuchel makes feelings clear after Declan Rice decision
England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted the Three Lions are missing Declan Rice after praising the Arsenal midfielder for travelling to Wembley despite withdrawing from the squad.
Rice was one of five players forced to pull out of England’s extended Nations League camp, alongside Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento.
The Football Association confirmed that all five withdrawals were because of respective injury issues, with James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White subsequently added to Tuchel’s group.
Rice has been managing his workload following a demanding period for Arsenal and England, having also experienced fitness concerns during the World Cup this summer.
Despite being unavailable, the 27-year-old made the journey to Wembley with his son to watch England’s meeting with Spain on Saturday.
Tuchel was asked what Rice’s decision to attend said about the togetherness within his squad and revealed his appreciation for the gesture.
“I liked it a lot,” Tuchel told reporters. “It was good that he was there. He had, I think, a long journey, a long travel to the stadium, brought his son, so that was nice to see.”
The England boss also made clear how important Rice remains to his plans, describing the Arsenal midfielder as one of the national team’s leading figures.
“Deccers is gutted because he loves to play for England and he loves to be part of this team,” Tuchel added. “He is one of our key players and of course we miss him, but it was nice that he showed his support, showed his face.”
Rice’s attendance came after England captain Harry Kane had already defended his international team-mate over the decision to withdraw.
The Bayern Munich striker also stressed that Rice consistently goes “far and beyond” for both Arsenal and England and needed the opportunity to recover.
For Arsenal, attention will now turn towards ensuring Rice is ready when domestic football resumes next month.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has relied heavily on the midfielder since his arrival from West Ham United, and Rice has again been an important part of the Gunners’ strong start to the season.
England still have Nations League fixtures against Czechia and Croatia before completing the international window with another meeting against the Czechs at Wembley on October 6.
Rice will instead continue his recovery ahead of Arsenal’s return to Premier League action, with Tuchel’s comments underlining that his England absence is being keenly felt.
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