Declan Rice could still play against Panama despite missing training with England in midweek, but Thomas Tuchel insists he isn’t afraid to rotate.
Declan Rice #4 of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026
Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images
Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that despite both Declan Rice and Reece James missing Thursday’s England training session, sources indicated that Rice’s fitness is less of a concern than James’.
Rice had limped away from England’s last match against Ghana with heavy strapping on his left calf.
Mokbel adds that it still remains to be seen whether Thomas Tuchel is willing to start Rice, particularly as the midfielder is at risk of suspension for the last-32 – assuming England make it.
On that note, Tuchel has suggested he’s willing to rotate for the final group game, but not too much.
Bukayo Saka #7 and Declan Rice #4 of England react after the 4-2 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
“I was not even sure if [we would] do the full rotation [if we had already won the group],” Tuchel began.
“Maybe we would have. But still, I am not shy to do some rotation now if we think that some players should be on the pitch but maybe more moderate than before.
“It’s also maybe not fair if you just throw 10 new players in and say ‘OK, let’s perform.’ Let’s see.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, gestures a thumbs up during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Mike Keegan and Craig Hope previously confirmed for the Daily Mail that Rice’s problem is not thought to be serious, but added that no chances will be taken in the Panama game. Kobbie Mainoo is on standby to start if Rice is unable to.
England are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup knockouts, and they may well be mathematically guaranteed to progress before they even play their match against Panama on Saturday.
England’s current worst-case scenario is finishing third in the group and as one of the four worst third-place finishers across all the groups – meaning elimination.
But three groups already have third-place finishers who can’t possibly have a better record than England, so just one more is required.
Declan Rice #4 of England runs to the corner during an International Friendly match against Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Orlando
Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images
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