England started their World Cup campaign in style with a statement 4-2 victory over Croatia but concerns over two of Thomas Tuchel's most important players emerged post-match
Harry Kane
Harry Kane was seen with strapping around his calf after England's wi over Croatia(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
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Harry Kane has helped give England a double fitness boost. The Three Lions captain was seen wearing a strapping on his left calf after England’s win over Croatia in their Group opener.
But two-goal Kane, who equalled Gary Lineker ’s World Cup England goals record, is understood to be fine and it was just a precaution because of cramp. Declan Rice also came off and England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed that he had suffered an injury to his lower back.
But Rice is also fine and that was purely precautionary which is a major boost for England because the Arsenal midfielder is another key player.
Tuchel’s next game is against Ghana in Boston next Tuesday when they will hope to take another step towards topping the Group and following the top seed’s path through the knockout stages.
Tuchel spoke about Rice's withdrawal after the game when he was asked by reporters. He admitted that he would never normally consider taking the Arsenal star off, but he was taking no risks.
“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” he said. “I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice was taken off vs Croatia due to an injury concern
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“I didn’t want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off – which I never wanted to do – but it was the moment to protect him, and I think Reece James did so well to replace him in the central midfield. [Rice] had a fantastic game, so I hope it’s nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end: ‘It’s good, and I know the discomfort’. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about.”
Pick your England XI for Ghana
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