Declan Rice has disclosed that he has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since December, while enduring a hectic season representing both Arsenal and the England national team. Despite the ongoing issue, the midfielder played a key role in England’s 4-2 triumph over Croatia, providing an assist for Harry Kane before being substituted. His visible discomfort after limping off raised concerns, but Rice has also used the opportunity to criticise the ‘crazy’ football calendar, having already featured in 55 matches for Arsenal this season.

Rice manages injury concern in England’s victory

During England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Group L, the 27-year-old midfielder played through discomfort, registering an assist for Kane before being withdrawn in the 72nd minute. His substitution prompted worry among fans after he was seen limping, leading to speculation about his fitness. However, the Arsenal star later reassured supporters, explaining that the problem had been under careful management since December.

Rice opens up about hidden hamstring problem

Rice admitted that he has been struggling with nerve pain in his hamstring since the festive period while playing for Arsenal. He clarified that his substitution was a precautionary measure, considering the physical demands of the final stages of a match.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Rice said: “I was feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring, which I’ve been managing since after Christmas with Arsenal for quite a while. Obviously, not many people would have known about it—it was all behind the scenes—but it was the right call to manage it carefully.”

He added: “Those last 20 minutes are usually the toughest part of a match, that’s when your body really starts to feel it. I think it was a smart decision to come off because over the last few days I’ve been feeling really, really good.”

Fixture congestion taking a toll

Rice’s comments come after a demanding season in which he made 55 appearances for Arsenal, helping the club lift the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final. Reflecting on the relentless schedule, the England international expressed his frustration with the modern football calendar.

“It’s an obscene number of games, the schedule was crazy, but what can we do about it? You can’t sit and complain,” Rice said. “We just have to get on with it for moments like winning the Premier League.”

He continued: “You’d play as many games as it takes to feel that again, and with a World Cup at the end of it, you’re willing to push your body to the limit to be out there. It’s a lot of football, but we’ll get our rest eventually.”

England’s road to the knockout stage

England will take on Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, where a win would secure their place in the last 32. Manager Thomas Tuchel may consider rotating his squad, with Rice among those who could be given a rest ahead of the knockout rounds.