Thomas Tuchel Confident Declan Rice Will Be Fit for Ghana

Thomas Tuchel expects Declan Rice to be ready for England’s next World Cup test against Ghana, despite the midfielder being withdrawn during the 4-2 win over Croatia with what was described as “discomfort”.

Rice, who had been at the heart of England’s opening Group Stage victory, came off in the second half after Tuchel noticed something was not right in his usually immaculate game.

“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” the England manager explained. “I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.

“I didn’t want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off, which I never wanted to do, but it was the moment to protect him, and I think Reece James did so well to replace him in the central midfield.

“[Rice] had a fantastic game, so I hope it’s nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end that it’s good and he knows the discomfort. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about.”

The sight of Rice heading off would have jolted a fanbase that has come to see him as non‑negotiable in the spine of this England side. Tuchel’s tone, though, was calm, protective rather than alarmed, as he framed the change as a long‑view decision in a tournament that punishes any gamble with fitness.

Rice himself sounded even more relaxed.

“All good, good as gold,” he said afterwards. “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, I’m all fine, just precaution and I’ll be back out there again against Ghana.”

England have their statement win on the board. Keeping Rice on the pitch for the long haul in this World Cup may prove just as important as any result.