Thomas Tuchel has revealed further details of the injury concerns that led Declan Rice to be substituted during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.
The Arsenal midfielder was a surprise withdrawal after 72 minutes of Wednesday’s Group L World Cup opener in Dallas, with Morgan Rogers sent on in his place.
That led to a brief period when England’s two No10 rivals at this tournament, Jude Bellingham and Rogers, were on the pitch together, before the former then quickly made way for Djed Spence as part of a reshuffle that saw right-back Reece James move into midfield.
The sight of Rice being substituted is a rare one for club or country, particularly at such a crucial point in the game when England, dominant after a chaotic first half, were leading 3-2 but struggling to put the game beyond doubt despite creating numerous golden chances as they found Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in inspired form.
ITV reported that the Gunners star had been seen limping after leaving the pitch at Dallas Stadium, raising fears over an injury setback to one of England and Arsenal’s most important players.
Marcus Rashford - who came off the bench to score the fourth goal - was also said to have been seen holding his hamstring after the match, while two-goal captain Harry Kane was later spotted with strapping around his left calf.
“Let’s see, I hope they are okay,” Tuchel told ITV when asked about Rice and other England injury concerns after the win over Croatia. “Normally I would never take Declan out but I didn’t want to take any risk.”
Giving more details in his post-match press conference, the German said: “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. I hope it’s nothing more. Declan reassured me at the end it’s good. It’s nothing big to worry about.”
Rice was not limping when filmed on his way out of the stadium, having told ITV earlier: “All good. Good as gold. Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season at Arsenal.
“Little neural pains here and there. But yeah, I’m all good. All fine, just precaution. I’ll be back out there against Ghana [England’s next Group L game in Boston on June 23].”
