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Sports July 18, 2026

Tuchel warned Arsenal duo ineligible for England France clash

Tuchel warned Arsenal duo ineligible for England France clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel is determined to secure victory in the Bronze match against France at the finals.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart has argued the fixture should instead be used to reward and assess squad members with limited involvement.

Hart has advised against selecting players carrying fitness or injury concerns, specifically naming Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and captain Harry Kane.

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He described the match as a valuable chance for players who have worked behind the scenes to stake a claim in a competitive environment.

Rice has dealt with injury and illness throughout the tournament, and Hart stressed there is no benefit in fielding those who appear exhausted.

Hart suggested sweeping changes, including in goal, to give wider squad members meaningful minutes within the team's structure.

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH102-ENG-ARG

Every England player trained ahead of the match and is available, aside from Jordan Henderson, who broke his arm celebrating the quarter-final win.

Kane and Jude Bellingham each have six goals and remain in Golden Boot contention, though Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi lead with eight.

Four of the 26-man squad have yet to feature: goalkeepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford, defender Trevoh Chalobah, and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

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Mainoo's absence has drawn criticism, with some suggesting the Manchester United player should decline involvement in the Bronze match.

Hart responded that the decision reflects personal mentality, urging players to take every available opportunity rather than adopt a victim stance.

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