Declan Rice left the Boston Stadium with a limp and strapping on his left calf after England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Tuesday.
Rice, who has complained of long-term injury woes during this World Cup and asked to be substituted against Croatia, played the full ninety minutes as England failed to break down a stubborn Ghana low block.
And he appears to have picked up a new issue against Ghana. Walking through the mixed zone as he left the stadium, Rice sported strapping on his leg and walked out with a noticeable limp.
It remains to be seen how serious his injury may be, and whether he will be fit to feature in England’s final group stage match against Panama on Saturday.
Rice’s early withdrawal against Croatia was understood to be precautionary, and he featured in full training in the build-up to the Ghana clash.
Speaking after the Croatia match, Thomas Tuchel said of Rice: “Declan pointed to his lower back, upper hamstring and feels some discomfort. I didn’t want to take any risks. It was a moment to protect him. Declan reassured me at the end it’s good. It’s nothing big to worry about.”
Rice also told ITV this week that he has been playing through neural pain in his hamstring since Christmas.
🚨 Declan Rice walked through mixed zone with left calf strapped & noticeable limp after #England 0-0 draw with #Ghana in 2nd match at #2026FIFAWorldCup. Severity unclear ahead of last Group L game against #Panama in New Jersey this Saturday @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/1lKh7u1Aaq pic.twitter.com/4uw7NU59oU
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 24, 2026
🚨 VIDEO: Declan Rice leaves Boston Stadium with heavy strapping on left calf
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) June 24, 2026
👇 Fitness worry for England #afc pic.twitter.com/7SZmN17IpI
He insisted, however, that he is in the shape of his life ahead of this World Cup campaign.
Speaking on Thursday, he said: “I feel like I’ve come into England with a spring in my step. I think as we keep playing good opposition, you’re going to keep seeing the best of me.
“This season has probably been more mentally draining than physically. But I’m in a mentally very good space and physically I feel very good as well.”
