Declan Rice was spotted limping after being substituted in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, leaving Thomas Tuchel with an injury concern just as the Three Lions began their World Cup campaign. The Arsenal midfielder lasted 72 minutes before being replaced alongside Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, with Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Sako entering the fray. Jude Bellingham dropped into central midfield alongside Elliot Anderson as Tuchel's men saw out the game.
"I hope they are OK because normally I would never take Declan out, but I didn't want to take any risk," Tuchel said after the match. The 27-year-old is understood to have been dealing with a back injury since the latter stages of Arsenal's season, with injections required to manage the issue. The Premier League winner looked in discomfort following the Gunners' crucial win over West Ham in May, though the problem did not significantly impact his ability to train and play.
“Declan Rice limped off during England's World Cup win over Croatia, sparking injury fears over a back issue.”
ITV's Sam Matterface said on commentary that there had been "suggestions that Rice was limping" following his substitution. Both Rice and Marcus Rashford, who scored from the bench, appeared to be experiencing discomfort as they left the pitch.
The win itself was far from straightforward. England twice let leads slip against the side that knocked them out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage in 2018. Harry Kane scored a penalty before Martin Baturina equalised, and England's captain restored the lead on the verge of half-time. Petar Musa headed Croatia level again before the break. Bellingham wasted little time firing England back ahead with an impressive run from the right after 47 minutes, and Rashford produced an impact from the bench to give England a two-goal cushion.
Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Tuchel can look back on a good night despite some unconvincing defending in the first half. "I think there's so many positives to come out of that performance," he said. "The goals that they scored and how they stood strong when they did come under pressure. All in all a good night for England. Lots of positives."
Ex-Arsenal defender Lee Dixon thought it was a sparkling second half. Tuchel will be desperate for Rice to be fit enough to play a central role as England attempt to win the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.