Declan Rice is set to be available for England's final World Cup group game against Panama on Saturday, after a dead leg sustained in Tuesday's goalless draw with Ghana prompted fears he could miss the crucial fixture.
The Arsenal midfielder, 27, was seen limping out of the Boston Stadium with heavy strapping on his left calf, but sources have indicated there was never a fear of a serious injury. Rice has been managing a hamstring problem for the last six months and was also taken off in England's win over Croatia with nerve pain in the same area.
“Declan Rice is set to be available for England's World Cup clash with Panama after a dead leg scare.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff now face a decision on whether to risk the player who has been described as "one of the very best midfielders in the world". Speaking after Rice won his 75th cap, Tuchel said: "You see a humble, humble footballer, humble, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy into the good quality into the group, and just ready to learn and learn every day. His career makes him one of the very best at the moment, so proud to be his coach."
Tuchel could still decide to rest Rice, with Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in line to come into the side. England's failure to beat Ghana means their progress as group winners is not guaranteed unless they beat Panama, and Tuchel will likely want to field his strongest XI to secure top spot.
Reece James will also require assessment ahead of the match in New Jersey. The 26-year-old Chelsea captain completed the full game against Ghana but will be checked by medics over the next 24 hours. James has a history of injury and his load will be monitored closely.
Marcus Rashford is also pushing to start after making a difference off the bench in England's two games so far. The forward was restricted to just seven minutes against Ghana due to a tight hamstring complaint, but he came through unscathed and now looks set for more game time.
With England needing victory to guarantee top spot in Group L, Tuchel's selection choices will be closely watched.