Thomas Tuchel insisted he “didn’t want to take any risks” after Declan Rice was substituted with a lower-back injury during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia – but the Arsenal midfielder is expected to be available for Tuesday’s World Cup match against Ghana in Boston.
Rice was replaced by Morgan Rogers after 72 minutes, having shown signs of discomfort. Speaking after the game, Tuchel said: “Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort. And then I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort. I didn’t want to take any risks, I hope it’s nothing more. Declan just reassured me at the end. We will take care of it, and it’s nothing big to worry about.”
“Declan Rice and Harry Kane are expected to be fit for England's World Cup match against Ghana after injury scares in the Croatia win.”
The 27-year-old midfielder has been carrying the complaint for a while and will require management throughout the tournament. But there was a second worry for England when captain Harry Kane was seen with strapping around his left calf after the victory. Kane, who scored twice to equal Gary Lineker’s World Cup England goals record, was suffering from cramp and is understood to be fine – the strapping was purely precautionary.
Tuchel admitted he would never normally consider taking Rice off, but the decision to protect him was made easier by the arrival of Reece James, who replaced him in central midfield. “He 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’,” Tuchel added.
England next face Ghana on Tuesday at 21:00, with Tuchel expected to have both key players available as they seek to take another step towards topping Group L and following the top seed’s path through the knockout stages.