Declan Rice has eased fears over his fitness after reassuring Thomas Tuchel that the issue which forced him off during England’s World Cup opener against Croatia is not a serious concern.
The Arsenal midfielder was substituted in the 72nd minute of England’s 4-2 victory in Dallas, with Morgan Rogers replacing him as the Three Lions looked to protect their lead.
Rice is rarely withdrawn when fit, making the decision an immediate talking point for supporters watching England’s opening Group L fixture.
Concerns increased when reports suggested the Arsenal star had been seen limping after leaving the pitch, raising questions over his availability for the remainder of the tournament.
However, Tuchel quickly moved to calm those fears after the match.
The England manager explained that Rice had reported discomfort around his lower back and upper hamstring area during the second half, prompting a precautionary substitution.
“Declan pointed to his lower back, upper hamstring and feels some discomfort,” Tuchel told reporters. “I didn’t want to take any risks.”
The German admitted he would not normally consider taking Rice off in such an important match, but felt it was the right decision given England’s position in the game and the stage of the tournament.
Tuchel also revealed that the midfielder had reassured him after the final whistle that the problem was not significant.
“Declan reassured me at the end it’s good,” he said. “It’s nothing big to worry about.”
That update will come as a major relief to Arsenal supporters after Rice completed another demanding season at club level.
The midfielder played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign and was again one of England’s key performers before his withdrawal.
Rice later offered his own assessment and echoed his manager’s optimism regarding the situation.
Speaking after the match, the Arsenal star suggested the discomfort was linked to a minor issue he had been managing during the latter stages of last season.
“All good. Good as gold,” Rice said. “Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season at Arsenal.”
The midfielder added that the substitution was purely precautionary and expressed confidence about being available for England’s second group-stage fixture against Ghana.
Rice’s comments suggest there is little danger of England being without one of their most influential players as they attempt to build momentum at the World Cup.
The Arsenal man also praised Tuchel’s impact during the victory, revealing that the manager’s half-time message helped settle the squad after Croatia had fought back before the interval.
For Arsenal supporters, though, the biggest takeaway from England’s opening win was Rice’s reassurance that the issue is minor and that he expects to be back on the pitch for the next match.