Thomas Tuchel will be concerned over England star Declan Rice after the Arsenal midfielder was spotted limping after being replaced during the clash against Croatia
Declan Rice was spotted limping(Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Declan Rice was spotted limping after being substituted in England’s win over Croatia. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel admitted after the match that he hopes he’s OK and only took him off as a precaution.
Rice lasted 72 minutes as he was replaced, alongside Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, and Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka entered the fray. Jude Bellingham dropped into the centre of midfield alongside Elliot Anderson as Tuchel’s men managed to see out the game against Croatia.
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 found the net, and England’s captain restored the lead on the verge of half-time before the Three Lions let Petar Musa in to ensure the scores were level at the break.
Bellingham wasted little time firing back into the lead with an impressive run from the right, as England regained their advantage after just 47 minutes. And Rashford produced an impact from the bench to give England a two-goal cushion before the night was done.
While Tuchel will have been reassured to see England’s performance continue at a high level in Rice’s absence, he will be desperate for the 27-year-old to be in a good enough condition to play a central role as England attempt to win the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. ITV’s Sam Matterface said on commentary that there had been ‘suggestions that Rice was limping’ following his substitution, while Tuchel said post-match: “I hope they are OK because normally I would never take Declan out, but I didn’t want to take any risk.”
Rice is said 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 issue did not impact the star’s ability to train and play to a significant degree.
Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Tuchel can look back on a good night for England, despite some unconvincing defending during the opening half of action. “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.”
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Ex-Arsenal defender Lee Dixon thought it was a sparkling second half from the side. “It’s the first opportunity we have seen England play real opposition, and Croatia are a really difficult team to play against,” he said.
“Apart from the moments in the first half where they gave the two goals away, they have pretty much controlled the game. That forward line, that flair, the running from midfield to match, and they have scored four goals.
“Get rid of the two goals conceded and it would have been the perfect performance. Scrappy first half, sparkle in the second.”
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