Arsenal could receive a timely fitness lift after Joe Hart urged Thomas Tuchel not to risk Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka in England’s World Cup third-place play-off.
England face France in Miami on Saturday night following their painful 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Tuchel wants his side to finish the tournament positively, but Hart believes the fixture should provide opportunities for players who have received limited minutes.
According to Now Arsenal, the former England goalkeeper argued that anyone carrying an injury or appearing physically exhausted should be rested.
Rice, Saka and Harry Kane were specifically mentioned as players England should avoid risking unnecessarily.
Arsenal monitor Rice and Saka workload
Both Arsenal players have managed fitness concerns during the tournament.
Rice recently recovered from an illness which left him confined to bed before England’s quarter-final against Norway. He has also been managing a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back.
Saka entered the World Cup with an Achilles problem and has not started every knockout fixture.
Read Arsenal previously examined the growing pre-season concern facing Mikel Arteta as England progressed deep into the tournament.
Neither player will receive an immediate summer break because England’s campaign will continue until the final weekend. Resting them against France would at least reduce their workload before they begin their holidays.
Tuchel has several fringe players available who could benefit from starting. Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Kobbie Mainoo are among those competing for greater involvement.
England still have the opportunity to record their best World Cup finish since 1966. Arsenal’s priority will be seeing Rice and Saka return to north London healthy enough for another demanding domestic season.
