Declan Rice Reveals Six-Month Hamstring Nerve Pain Struggle
England midfielder Declan Rice is fit for Tuesday’s World Cup group match against Ghana in Boston, despite revealing he has managed nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas. Rice, who played 63 matches this season, was substituted in the 72nd minute of a 4-2 win over Croatia last Wednesday, according to ITV Sport.
Why was Declan Rice substituted against Croatia?
Rice told ITV Sport that he has been managing neural pain in his upper hamstring that radiates into his lower back. He described the decision to remove him from the match as “smart” to avoid further injury during the final 20 minutes of play.
The midfielder confirmed he is now “ready and fit, raring to go” for the upcoming fixture in Boston. He noted that the injury had been managed behind the scenes since his time with Arsenal after Christmas.
How has the match schedule affected player fitness?
Rice described the current season’s schedule as “obscene” and “crazy.” His club, Arsenal, won the Premier League but lost the finals of both the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup to Manchester City.
Other players are also managing injuries. France center-half William Saliba stated he has dealt with “minor niggles” for several months but is “gritting his teeth” for the World Cup.
Will Bukayo Saka start against Ghana?
Bukayo Saka is not expected to start against Ghana due to an ongoing achilles problem. Rice noted that Saka is being managed “the right way” and followed an individual training programme on Saturday.
Saka appeared as a 72nd-minute substitute against Croatia, providing an assist for Marcus Rashford. Noni Madueke is likely to continue starting on the right wing, a performance Rice described as “unbelievable.”
How is England adapting to North American heat?
England began a hot-weather acclimatisation camp in Florida at the start of June to prepare for humidity and heat. While the Croatia game in Dallas took place in a domed stadium set at 22C, the Boston match will be in an open-air stadium.
Rice stated that manager Thomas Tuchel has reassured the squad that they possess the “strength and power” to outrun opponents. Rice acknowledged that heat may dictate the team’s playing style in certain spells.
What is Ollie Watkins’ role in the squad?
Ollie Watkins is prepared to serve as a “supersub” after finishing the season with eight goals in his last 10 Premier League games. He earned a late recall from Thomas Tuchel and previously scored the winning goal against the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Watkins revealed he has adopted advice from Michael Owen to be “nastier” on the pitch. He suggested that entering a game as a substitute can be advantageous when opposing players are tired and lose focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific injury has Declan Rice been managing?
Rice has been managing neural pain in his upper hamstring that radiates into his lower back since after Christmas.
Which players from Arsenal are currently managing fitness issues?
Declan Rice (hamstring/back), Bukayo Saka (achilles), and William Saliba (minor niggles) have all reported managing physical issues.
What was the temperature during England’s match against Croatia?
The match was played in a domed, air-conditioned stadium in Dallas where the temperature was set at 22C.
How do you think a heavy match schedule impacts a player’s performance in major tournaments?