England’s midfield anchor Declan Rice limped out of Boston Stadium on Tuesday with heavy strapping on his left calf after a goalless draw against Ghana, prompting an anxious wait over his availability for Saturday’s decisive World Cup group game against Panama.
Sources have indicated there is no major concern the injury could impact his involvement on a longer-term basis here in the United States. But the issue requires assessment and rest before manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff can decide whether to risk the Arsenal midfielder, who was also taken off against Croatia with nerve pain in a sore hamstring he has been managing.
“Declan Rice and Reece James face fitness tests before England's World Cup clash with Panama, with Saka and Rashford ready to step in.”
Reece James will also be checked by medics over the next 24 hours. The Chelsea captain completed the full 90 minutes against Ghana but has a history of injury, and his load will be monitored closely.
With both key players under a fitness cloud, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are pushing for starts against Panama, according to reports, as Rice has allayed some fears over his condition. Tuchel must weigh the risks of playing his first-choice duo in a match England need to win to guarantee progress.
The fitness news comes as Scotland’s potential route to the final was mapped out, should they top Group C and set up a possible historic quarter-final against England in Miami on July 11. But for now, all eyes are on Tuchel’s selection for Saturday’s game in New Jersey.