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Four England stars leave World Cup camp as Three Lions step up preparations for Croatia

England have confirmed that four players have departed the squad following their involvement in the World Cup warm-up matches as Thomas Tuchel's side step up their preparations for Croatia

[Rio Ngumoha and Reece James]

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha was one of four players to leave England's World Cup camp(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

England have announced that Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King have all left the squad following their participation in the World Cup warm-up matches.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel chose to bring in the four young talents to bolster the ranks during the team's stay in Florida. The Three Lions are set to jet off to their base in Kansas City on Saturday as they shift their focus to their tournament opener against Croatia on Wednesday night (9pm).

In the run-up to the match, the squad has played three warm-up games. England secured a 1-0 victory over New Zealand last Saturday, before delivering a dominant 3-0 triumph over Costa Rica on Wednesday night.

[Ethan Nwaneri and Elliot Anderson]

Ethan Nwaneri is one of the four players to have left England's camp

The third game was a behind-closed-doors friendly against Miami FC at England's training ground, with reports indicating a resounding 6-0 win for the side, with both Nwaneri and Ngumoha finding the back of the net.

A post on England's official social media channels featured a photo of all four players, accompanied by a message that read: "An important part of our preparations so far.

"Thanks to Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King who depart at the conclusion of our camp in Florida."

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Upon announcing the four players joining the squad, Tuchel explained the reasoning behind his choices.

"We will take some young players out who will train with us in the size of the squad that we need, and we have the two friendly matches to take care of the minutes and the load on the players," he stated.

"I'm happy to have these players, especially Alex (Scott) who was on the list of 55 and obviously he didn't make the first cut but the reaction of him was outstanding and the commitment and wish to be in pre-camp and a step closer to the team was not even a question for him.

"That showed me his character and I'm delighted he'll be with us because that was a close call and he gets a chance to get a step closer and a cap."

All four players will be keen to build on this experience when they return to their clubs for pre-season.

If they continue to impress in the Premier League, further England call-ups are sure to follow in due course.

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