England midfielder Declan Rice was spotted with heavy strapping on his calf and limping following their goalless draw with Ghana. The 27-year-old has been nursing several issues throughout the campaign, including calf-related problems. He played the entirety of the stalemate but fears over his long-term fitness have been raised as he continues to battle through. Rice was seen with heavy strapping on his left calf and walking gingerly through the mixed zone, sparking concerns over his involvement against Panama.
Rice's fitness monitored
Rice's involvement was monitored in the group opener against Croatia, but manager Thomas Tuchel could not afford to rotate too heavily as the Three Lions laboured to a point in Group L. Tuchel praised Rice, saying: "The point where he is now is one of the very best midfielders in the world. You see a humble, humble footballer, humble, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy into the good quality into the group and just ready to learn and learn every day. So his career makes him one of the very best at the moment."
Saka returns to full fitness
Rice's Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka has also been nursing an injury, an Achilles problem that plagued the winger throughout the latter stages of the Gunners' Premier League title push. While Saka played through the issue, both England and Arsenal were cautious over his minutes. As a result, he has started from the bench in each of the first two England World Cup matches. However, Saka trained with the first team during Ghana preparations and is now fit to start, providing a selection headache for Tuchel. Noni Madueke started in his place against Ghana.
Tuchel said of the situation: "It's another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka and the beautiful thing is they do it for Arsenal as well. Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go - without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench. Everyone has trained, everyone is available. No matter whether it's Marc (Guehi) in defence or Marcus (Rashford) and Bukayo (Saka), they all bought into it, the team as starters or coming on from the bench."
Group L standings and knockout path
England sit top of Group L on goal difference, level on points with Ghana, who beat Panama in their first match. Croatia got their first points after Ante Budimir's second-half winner against Panama. England's final group game is against Panama in New Jersey. As it stands, the Three Lions are set to play their round of 32 clash on July 1, likely against Cape Verde, who have two points after draws with Spain and Uruguay. However, that is subject to change before the final group games. England would face the third-placed side from Group E, H, I, J, or K if they win the group.
