Thomas Tuchel has ‘100% trust’ in Rice and Saka over England injury absences

• Arsenal duo unavailable for Japan game on Tuesday

• ‘We did medical tests. I saw them,’ head coach says

Thomas Tuchel has plotted a diplomatic course through the storm that has followed the withdrawals of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the England squad, saying the optics may look bad but he has “100% trust” in their integrity.

The England head coach gave Rice and Saka last week off, letting them rest rather than play in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Wembley on Friday – along with nine others. His idea was to have all 11 back for the game against Japan on Tuesday, also at Wembley, for which he would release a group of players.