England midfielder Declan Rice has shared whether he expects to feature against Ghana next week, following an injury scare during England’s 4-2 triumph over Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel has given further insight into the fitness issue that led to Rice being substituted during England’s Group L World Cup opener in Dallas.

The Arsenal star was unexpectedly withdrawn in the 72nd minute of Wednesday’s match, with Morgan Rogers coming on as his replacement.

The substitution created a brief spell in which England’s two No.10 options for this tournament, Jude Bellingham and Rogers, were both on the field. Shortly afterwards, Bellingham made way for Djed Spence in a tactical adjustment that saw right-back Reece James move into midfield.

Seeing Rice substituted is unusual for either club or country, especially during such a decisive phase of the match. England, having regained control after a frantic first half, were 3-2 ahead but unable to seal the result despite creating multiple clear chances, repeatedly denied by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who was in exceptional form.

ITV reported that the Arsenal midfielder was seen limping after leaving the pitch at Dallas Stadium, prompting concerns about a potential injury to one of England and Arsenal’s key players.

Marcus Rashford, who came off the bench to score England’s fourth goal, was also reportedly seen clutching his hamstring after the game. Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane, who scored twice, 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 fitness issues following the win over Croatia. “Normally I would never take Declan out but I didn’t want to take any risk.”

Expanding on the situation in his post-match press conference, the German coach said: “Declan pointed to his lower back and upper hamstring and felt some discomfort. I didn’t want to take any risks.

“It was the right moment to protect him. I hope it’s nothing serious. Declan reassured me afterwards that he feels fine. It’s nothing major to worry about.”

Rice did not appear to be limping when he was later filmed leaving the stadium and told ITV: “All good. Good as gold. Just something I’ve been managing probably since the second half of the season at Arsenal.

“A few 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 match in Boston on June 23].”