Thomas Tuchel confirms 11 players will miss England friendly against Uruguay | OneFootball

The likes of captain Harry Kane will sit out the first of two March friendlies

England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that 11 players will delay joining up with the latest squad.

Speaking to reporters shortly afterwards, Tuchel confirmed that 11 players will not be involved in the first friendly, against Uruguay, including captain Harry Kane.

Instead “nine or 10” will leave the camp as 11 familiar faces arrive to take on Japan.

Asked for the names of those who are delaying joining, Tuchel said: “From Friday evening to Saturday morning, 11 players will then join us in camp and we will release some players to have a group of 21 or 22 outfield players plus goalkeepers."

He added: “It’s no surprise ... Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, O’Reilly, Eliott Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Kane and Bukayo Saka.

"These guys have played 3,500 minutes, some 4,000 minutes. More important than the pure number of minutes is some of these guys have played more minutes than the whole of last season.

"All of these players have contributed in September, October and November. They have credit with me. To give them a break mentally and physically, we will benefit from it."

"I am happy and excited to be back,” Tuchel said. “This March camp is a unique one. We have already qualified, and our players are at a crucial stage in their club seasons. It's the last chance to impress and compete for a spot. That is why we have spilt the squad."