Declan Rice revealed that his mother scolded him for getting severe sunburn during England's official World Cup photoshoot, leaving him looking like a lobster. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder arrived at the warm-up camp in Florida on Saturday and struggled with the intense heat, resulting in visible redness on his head and arms in the official tournament pictures.
Rice's Sunburn Incident
Speaking about the photos, Rice said: "I think everyone has seen those photos, I was bright red in that photo shoot. My mum was killing me. Honestly, the first day we came, it was just getting used to that heat." He added: "Coming from England, where it’s hot-cold, all different types of weather, coming here and it’s always 30 degrees – it really does hit you in the face." When asked how he knows when he has done too much work in the heat, he replied: "When the sunburn comes!"
Match Performance
Despite the sunburn, Rice scored the opening goal in a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando, as Thomas Tuchel's team stepped up their World Cup preparations. The win showcased England's form ahead of the tournament.
Mental Challenges of the Season
Rice joined the squad late after a demanding season with Arsenal, which included winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2004, followed by the heartbreak of losing the Champions League final against PSG. He described the emotional rollercoaster as mentally challenging but believes the title win has boosted his confidence for the World Cup.
"I feel good as gold. Feel really fit, feel really strong," Rice said. "Had a couple of niggles throughout the season which I managed really well with the physios and the manager, so I’ve come here in a really good place." He added: "I feel really confident. I think winning that Premier League for me, I have come here with a sense of confidence and a spring in my step. Now I have got over that line with Arsenal, it has given me that confidence that we can come here and achieve big things as well."
Focus on the World Cup
Rice acknowledged the difficulty of balancing club commitments with World Cup anticipation. "The season has been more mentally tough than physically. Even though I have played so many games, the emotions you go through on a football pitch is ridiculous. Trying to win the Premier League and obviously winning it, and then to lose the final, you’re up and down constantly, trying to adapt. And then full focus turns to the World Cup. It’s hard to think about the World Cup in season because you have so many big games, but when you actually get here, it’s when it starts to hit you. So I’m happy I didn’t think about it too much ahead, and obviously now I have come here with a fresh mind, ready to go."
