England’s striker #09 Harry Kane reacts during the UEFA Nations League, League B – Group 2, football match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium in London on November 17, 2024. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)
London, March 22, 2026 – England captain Harry Kane has backed coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to rest him and ten other players from the Three Lions’ first March friendly against Uruguay.
Tuchel had named Kane in a 35-man squad on Friday but confirmed that the Bayern Munich striker and several others would join the camp later ahead of England’s second friendly against Japan at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking after scoring his 31st league goal of the season in Bayern’s 4-0 victory over Union Berlin on Saturday, Kane said the rest would benefit him and his teammates as they navigate a busy football calendar.
“I think it makes sense when we look at the April schedule, May, and then going into the World Cup, trying to use this time now to be as fresh as possible in that period,” said the 32-year-old striker.
“I think it’s a really sensible decision. For me and the boys who get a bit of time off, you have to use it wisely—stay fit, stay sharp, but just mentally rest and get ready for a really busy schedule when we get back.”
Tuchel confirmed that Kane would be rested alongside Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Eliott Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, and Bukayo Saka.
England face Uruguay on Friday and Japan on Monday, with the coach aiming to balance player fitness ahead of a packed season that includes the upcoming World Cup.
