Declan Rice has offered reassuring news about his fitness as England gear up for their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 encounter with DR Congo in Atlanta. The Arsenal midfielder, who missed the final group stage victory over Panama, had sparked concern that manager Thomas Tuchel might have to begin the knockout phase without his key midfield presence.

Injury concern resolved

Rice sought to calm worries about his condition, clarifying that his absence against Panama was merely precautionary. The 27-year-old midfielder was left out of England’s 2-0 win after suffering a heavy knock to his calf during the draw with Ghana, which led to noticeable swelling in the days that followed.

Speaking in Kansas City, Rice said, “I’m good. Honestly, I’m good. I know there’s been talk about a little hamstring issue, but it’s nothing serious because I’m still training and playing. I’m fine.”

He continued, “I got a dead calf in the final minute of the Ghana match. The guy caught me, and it literally swelled up for about three days — just bad luck really. It wasn’t an actual calf injury. I’ve been managing myself well. I feel fit, strong, and ready.”

Handling neural pain issues

The former West Ham United skipper also opened up about a persistent “neural pain” problem he has been dealing with since December. Despite the discomfort, which coincided with Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, Rice explained that he has learned how to cope with it and maintain his high-level performances, even when the pain recurs unexpectedly.

“It’s not a pain that only shows up during football,” Rice revealed. “You could be sitting at home and suddenly feel a shooting pain up your leg. It’s strange for me because I’ve never had anything like this before, touch wood. I’ve tried to rest whenever possible because last season I was prioritising matches. I think my body went through a bit of a shock, which might be why I felt that pain. Towards the end of the season, it eased off, and I just need to keep managing it properly.”

Tactical discussion and Scholes’ criticism

Although Rice is fit again and available for selection, his inclusion in the starting lineup has become a subject of debate. Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has been critical of Rice’s performances, suggesting that Tuchel should consider starting the more attacking Elliot Anderson to give England greater creative impetus against top sides like France and Argentina.

Scholes commented that England’s midfield had looked too conservative during a group stage where they struggled to find consistent rhythm. “I think it needs to be a straight choice between Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, and I’d probably go with Anderson,” Scholes said on the Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

Prepared for the knockout challenge

Despite the external criticism and the minor injury concerns that led to him being rested, Rice remains a vital component of England’s setup. He clarified that missing the Panama fixture was also a tactical decision, as he was one booking away from suspension, and he supports Tuchel’s approach to squad rotation during the tournament in the United States.

“If sometimes I have to miss a game because we’ve got other players who suit a particular opponent better, I’m fine with that — as long as we’re winning,” Rice explained. “Of course, I want to play every match, but I understand what’s best for the team. The other day, with the calf issue and the yellow card situation — if I’d picked up another, I’d have missed the next one — I didn’t mind sitting out. I’m not someone who sulks about it. I want the lads to do well and for us to keep progressing.”