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Rice Follows Strict Clothing Ritual Before Every Game and Fears 'We Won't Win' Without It

Diana Forsythe | June 17, 2026 9:46 PM CST

England prepare to play in the 2026 World Cup, Declan Rice has revealed that he follows several pre-match superstitions, including one that he believes is essential for good luck.
The England team are set to face Croatia in the 2026 World Cup this evening (Wednesday, June 17) at 9 p.m. UK time.
It is the first official match for the Three Lions, and there may be some nerves given England’s history against Croatia. England famously lost to the Vatreni in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, despite hopes of reaching their first final since 1966.
As a result, the stakes feel high. It is likely that England’s players will follow their usual pre-match routines in the hope of securing a victory.
Declan Rice, 27, previously revealed that he must wear a specific pair of trainers with his tracksuit before a match because he considers them lucky.
Watch Insight TV captioned the short clip featuring Rice: "Footballers are a very superstitious bunch."
"From putting socks on in a certain order to wearing lucky underwear, sticking to winning habits is fully part of the routine for pros, and Declan Rice is no exception. Who knows, maybe these shoes are England’s lucky charm in the World Cup".
Rice admitted that the pair of shoes has "history" for him and that he "always wears" the black trainers shown in the video clip.
"In my mind, if I don't wear them, I don't think we're gonna win," he said, adding that he is "proper superstitious" and that this is why he "always wears them" with his tracksuit.
He also eats the same meal before every match — four pancakes covered in syrup or honey — a recommendation that came from the nutritionist at his Premier League club, Arsenal.
Rice explained that they are ordinary pancakes, and he was surprised when he discovered that other players follow the same routine.
"Honestly, it's been a game-changer. I don't understand the science behind it, what's in them or anything like that, but it gives me such a high energy boost," he said.
A high level of energy is undoubtedly something England will need if they are to succeed in this year’s tournament.
England have been in the United States for more than two weeks, adjusting to conditions and preparing for the World Cup.
There was a setback on Tuesday as Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury, and Trevoh Chalobah was called up as his replacement.
Four positions in the starting XI remain undecided, with Thomas Tuchel choosing to keep his players guessing until shortly before kick-off.
Around 10,000 England supporters are expected to attend the match in Dallas, Texas, this evening.
So come on, England — and let’s see whether Declan Rice’s lucky trainers can help deliver a victory.