The England midfielder says he has been dealing with nerve pain since Christmas as he talks about the 63-game ban and reassures fans of his safety in Ghana.England’s opening win over Croatia provided almost everything Thomas Tuchel could have wanted from the start of the World Cup campaign. Harry Kane scored twice, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added goals, and a 4-2 victory in Dallas instantly strengthened England’s hopes of finishing top of Group L.The only concern came with 18 minutes to go.Declan Rice, one of England’s most important players and the midfielder on whom the team’s bulk is built, was sent off in the 72nd minute. Given the importance of Arsenal’s players and the timing of the transfer, concern quickly spread over whether England suffered a serious injury after just one game.Rice has now revealed that the decision is related to an issue he has been quietly handling for more than six months.Unlike a new injury, the problem began on Christmas and has been largely hidden from the public even though Rice continues to play in one of the most difficult seasons of his career.
The injury problem England fans do not know
Speaking after the game, Rice explained that he had been struggling with neuralgia in his hamstring since midway through Arsenal’s campaign.“I think it was a smart decision,” Rice told ITV Sport.“I had a bit of pain in my hamstrings, which I took care of after Christmas with Arsenal for a long time.“Obviously, not many people would know that. It was all behind the scenes.”The issue concerns the upper part of the hamstring, and pain in the lower back, but Rice also made it clear that England’s medical staff and the team of teachers saw it as a warning rather than a response to a large return.Midfielders felt that time was of the utmost importance because the late stages of the game are often when fatigue takes its toll on the body.“But it was a smart decision,” he said.“At the end of the day, the last 20 minutes is probably when you carry the most, and that’s when you play a 70-minute game, but the last 20 is when you feel your body going through it.”
A season that rarely stops
Rice’s comments also provide insight into the major challenges that top players need in today’s football calendar.England’s World Cup opener against Croatia was his 63rd game of the 2025-26 season.Fifty-five of these games came for Arsenal, who enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns in their recent history, winning the Premier League and reaching the final of the Champions League. Rice then added eight caps for England before and during the World Cup.The increased workload has left little room for recovery.Reflecting on the process, Rice explained that the demand was constant.“It’s a dirty game,” he said.“The money was crazy but what are we going to do about it? You can’t sit back and complain.“We have to continue with the times I had in the Premier League, winning the Premier League.“You know you can play as many games as you can to get your mind back and know there’s a World Cup at the end of it.“You know you can put your body on the line to play every time. It’s a lot of games but we’ll rest at the end.”These comments underline why England didn’t want to take unnecessary risks against Croatia, especially with two other teams to play.
Rice eases fears ahead of Ghana
The substitution raised questions about Rice’s availability for England’s second Group L match against Ghana.However, the midfielder moved quickly to reassure his supporters that he is still available and hopes to take part.“I’m ready, I’m good, I want to go,” he said.“I think it was a smart decision because the last few days I felt really good.”England know that a win in Ghana would put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages, which makes Rice’s presence all the more important.The midfielder has been one of the most influential players in the team, providing defensive support and helping England to advance the ball through the middle.
Managing Bukayo Saka’s recovery
Rice also spoke about the fitness he faced with his Arsenal and England teammate Bukayo Saka.Saka missed the start against Croatia as he continues to manage a long-running Achilles injury that has prompted scrutiny in recent months.The winner did not train with the main group on Saturday, instead following a program designed to improve his performance and ensure his availability later in the competition.Although he is not expected to start against Ghana, Rice believes England are handling the situation well and remains confident that Saka will play a vital role at the World Cup.“One hundred percent,” Rice said when asked if Saka still had a big role to play.“It’s great the way we’re running him.“The amount of football he’s played, I’ve seen him at Arsenal and he’s got a bit of an Achilles problem. We’re taking him in the right direction for sure.”Saka showed his form against Croatia despite only appearing as a substitute, setting up Marcus Rashford’s goal after coming on in the second half.
England balances desire and strength
England’s preparations for the tournament have included a warm-up camp in Florida, with Tuchel and his staff putting a lot of emphasis on ensuring the squad can handle the conditions they will face in North America.While the Croatia game was played inside Dallas’s air-conditioned stadium in temperatures of around 22C, England are expecting tougher conditions after the tournament.Rice said the players had been reassured by Tuchel that the squad had the fitness they needed to stay aggressive no matter what the weather.“The heat causes it [our playing style] instead,” Rice said.“But the manager has been very clear with us and with this team that we have the strength and power to win with our strength.”At the moment, England’s interest will remain in Ghana and find the first progress from the Revelation of Group L. Rice gives a clear explanation of the anxiety that came from the replacement against Croatia, and also highlights the reality behind the season that has already started at 63 games.The encouraging news for England is that the midfielder who has been quietly shouldering the burden since Christmas insists he is fit, available and ready to continue.
