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Thomas Tuchel has delivered encouraging news regarding Declan Rice after the Arsenal midfielder sparked alarm by limping off during England’s World Cup opener against Croatia. The Three Lions started their campaign strongly in Dallas, but the sight of their midfield anchor heading towards the tunnel midway through the match caused concern among supporters and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Tuchel explains Rice's 'discomfort' in Dallas

The England manager acted swiftly, substituting Rice in the 72nd minute of their 4-2 victory over Croatia. Earlier in the match, Rice had provided an assist for Harry Kane but began to show signs of discomfort before signalling to the bench that he could not continue. Although the 27-year-old was seen limping, Tuchel emphasised that the decision was precautionary to avoid aggravating a potential injury.

Speaking to the press after the match, the German coach said, “Declan had a few uncharacteristic ball losses and I noticed he wasn’t moving freely. When I asked him, he pointed to his lower back and upper hamstring, saying he felt some discomfort. I didn’t want to take any risks, and taking Declan off — something I rarely do — was about protection. Reece James came in and did an excellent job in midfield, a fantastic performance. Declan reassured me at the end saying, ‘It’s good, it’s good.’ We’ll look after him, but it’s nothing major to worry about.”

Arsenal midfielder plays through the pain

Questions about Rice’s fitness have lingered since the end of the domestic season. Reports suggest that the Arsenal star required injections during the final weeks of his club’s campaign as they battled for Premier League and Champions League honours.

Despite this, Rice appeared upbeat after the final whistle. The 27-year-old was fit enough to fulfil media duties and told ITV, “All good, good as gold. Just something I’ve been managing since the second half of the season — little aches here and there — but I’m fine. Just a precaution, and I’ll be ready to face Ghana.”

Kane praises Tuchel’s tactical brilliance

Although Rice’s condition was a key talking point post-match, England’s second-half dominance was largely credited to Tuchel’s tactical adjustments during the interval. After an intense first half that ended evenly, captain Harry Kane highlighted how the manager’s team talk inspired the turnaround that saw England take control.

Kane shared the details of the dressing-room message, explaining, “He told us to loosen up, calm down and just go for it. He said, what’s the worst that can happen? Show the world what we’re capable of. We came out in the second half full throttle, and they couldn’t cope. That’s the level we must maintain in every match. Once we took the lead, we controlled the game completely, looked solid, and scored again on the counter. There was a spell where we could’ve netted three or four more. Credit to everyone — it was a great start to the tournament against a tough side.”

Rice lauds England’s 'great performance' despite injury worries

The midfielder praised England’s response after the break, as the team asserted control in Arlington. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed the 4-2 victory, giving England an early advantage in Group L ahead of their next fixture.

Reflecting on the win, Rice commented, “The first half probably looked worse than it was because of how we conceded. We had a lot of possession, but in the second half, you could see the energy, the desire. There was that extra spring in our step — the pressing, the power, the way we attacked and created chances. Their keeper had a brilliant game, but overall, it was a fantastic performance.”

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