England suffered elimination from the World Cup on Wednesday night, but Arsenal’s English internationals can’t return home just yet.
Declan Rice #4 of England reacts after the 1-2 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Arsenal’s England internationals weren’t quite as involved in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final as in most of the previous rounds, with only Declan Rice starting the match.
In every previous knockout round, Rice had started alongside either Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke. The final group-stage win over Panama was the only other match at the tournament in which fewer than two Arsenal players started, and even then, two came off the bench.
But on this occasion, Rice was the only starter, withdrawn after 82 minutes, and none of Arsenal’s three England substitutes made it onto the pitch.
Declan Rice #4 of England prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Unfortunately for England, they failed to produce without the help of the Arsenal men. Having taken a 1-0 lead with Rice on the pitch, the team let it slip after the midfielder’s substitution, losing 2-1.
But Arsenal’s four England internationals can’t return home yet, as they have to play a third-place play-off match against France on Saturday.
If Thomas Tuchel has any sense, Saka and Rice won’t be anywhere near the pitch on Saturday. The pair clearly need a rest, and this is not a game you risk them for.
Bukayo Saka #7 of England arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
There’s an argument that Saka shouldn’t even be at the tournament anymore, and the same is true for William Saliba of France on the other side. They’ve clearly been playing through injury, and that should no longer be necessary.
But it seems likely that Madueke and Eze are rotated in, given their relatively light knockout-stage load so far.
After that, they’ll begin their minimum three-week holidays, ending on the weekend of August 8th-9th. That will give them one week back before the Community Shield, and two weeks before the Premier League opener.
In all likelihood, considering their injury issues, Saka and Saliba will not be involved in that opening game.
Eberechi Eze #21 of England controls the ball against Fredrik Aursnes #14 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Arsenal’s eliminated England stars can’t return home yet
England suffered elimination from the World Cup on Wednesday night, but Arsenal’s English internationals can’t return home just yet.
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