Thomas Tuchel sends Arsenal message as date confirmed for stars to join England World Cup squad

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Evening Standard

·5 June 2026

Thomas Tuchel sends Arsenal message as date confirmed for stars to join England World Cup squad

Gunners quartet were given extra rest after Champions League final defeat

Thomas Tuchel has said Arsenal should be “proud” of their achievements this season after the Gunners lifted a first Premier League title in 22 years.

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Mikel Arteta’s men were crowned champions of England last month after Manchester City failed to defeat Bournemouth in their penultimate game of the campaign, giving the north Londoners an unassailable four-point lead at the summit.

Arsenal could not claim a league and European Cup double, however, as they were beaten in the Champions League final on penalties by holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were part of the Gunners side that made history, and they were afforded extra time off before joining up with Tuchel’s England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The German was asked about the quartet ahead of the Three Lions’ first pre-tournament friendly against New Zealand on Saturday.

"I haven't spoken to them,” he replied.

“They have got a lot of messages, and spoken to a lot of people. I thought I'd just leave them to themselves.

Returning stars: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice

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"They can be proud of what they achieved. We spoke after their title in the Premier League which was the big target, the main target. They achieved that and I can tell it makes them proud, took the weight off their shoulders and [it was] a boost ahead of the final.”

The England boss confirmed that the four Arsenal players would join up with the squad on Saturday, although they will be play no part against the Kiwis in Tampa, Florida.

"They went toe-to-toe with the best team in the world at the moment,” Tuchel said of Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat.

“They made them go the full length to a penalty shootout. It's as close as it can get.

"There's no need to be overly disappointed. I will see them tomorrow and I think it will be no issue to lift them if needed. I saw pictures, and heard messages that they are happy to come. The group is waiting and they are in good spirits."