Declan Rice set to start for England in World Cup clash with DR Congo
Declan Rice is expected to start England's World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta after resting for the 2-0 win over Panama. Former England striker Jamie Vardy knows knockout tension; Rice's return gives Thomas Tuchel the midfield anchor the Three Lions lacked against Ghana.
Key Takeaways
- Declan Rice, 27, is poised to return to England's starting XI for the DR Congo knockout match in Atlanta after sitting out the Panama victory.
- Rice missed Panama after a heavy calf blow against Ghana, though he completed England's final training session before travelling to New Jersey.
- The Arsenal vice-captain has managed hamstring nerve pain since Christmas across 63 matches this season, per The Guardian.
- Reece James and Jarell Quansah remain major doubts at right-back ahead of Wednesday's tie.
Why is Declan Rice set to start against DR Congo?
According to BBC Sport, Declan Rice is expected to be available to start England's last-32 tie with DR Congo on Wednesday. The midfielder was rested for the 2-0 win over Panama after taking a heavy blow to the calf in the goalless draw with Ghana.
Rice was unable to complete the full training schedule before Panama, although he returned for the team's final session before travelling to New Jersey. In his absence, Thomas Tuchel started Elliot Anderson alongside Jude Bellingham in midfield.
For supporters and former internationals such as Jamie Vardy, Rice's availability marks a pivotal moment as England enter the knockout phase in Atlanta.
What injuries has Rice been managing at the World Cup?
Rice's calf issue followed a gruelling season. The Guardian reported that Rice revealed he had been managing nerve pain in a hamstring since Christmas, calling the fixture list "obscene."
He was substituted in the 72nd minute of England's 4-2 opening win over Croatia, with pain in the upper hamstring radiating into his lower back. Rice told ITV Sport it was a "smart decision" and said he was "ready and fit, raring to go" for the Ghana game.
He played 63 matches this season — 55 for Arsenal and eight for England — as his club won the Premier League and reached the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
How did Tuchel assess Rice before the Panama game?
Before Panama, Tuchel gave a two-man injury update on Rice and Anderson. Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said both had trained after minor issues following Ghana.
Rice left Boston Stadium with strapping round his left calf and a slight limp. He did not train fully on Thursday but joined Anderson at England's Kansas City base on Friday. "Anderson and Rice were training today," Tuchel said. "They had minor issues after the match but they had enough time to recover."
Tuchel ultimately rested Rice against Panama, but the update cleared the path for his knockout return. Follow more celebrity breaking news for World Cup updates.
Who else is doubtful for England's knockout tie?
BBC Sport reports Reece James and Jarell Quansah are England's main injury worries. James missed Panama with a hamstring problem from the Ghana game; his return is likely later in the tournament.
Quansah, who deputised at right-back against Panama, is a major doubt with an ankle injury. Tuchel said it will be "very tight" for him to prove fitness within 48 hours. With Tino Livramento already out, Djed Spence appears likely to start if James and Quansah cannot play.