England assessing fitness of Declan Rice ahead of Panama clash

By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer, Boston

England are assessing Declan Rice’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s final World Cup group game against Panama.

The 27-year-old, last week, admitted he had played “an obscene amount of games” after heading to the United States, having played in the Champions League final for Premier League winners Arsenal.

Thomas Tuchel decided to withdraw Rice midway through the second half of England’s Group L opener against Croatia as a precaution due to discomfort in the player’s lower back and upper hamstring.

The midfielder revealed he had been “feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring” but had been managing the issue since Christmas and was able to play the entirety of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ghana.

Rice was seen leaving Gillette Stadium with strapping to his left calf and walking with a slight limp, although he indicated to reporters he was “all good”.

England are assessing the vice-captain ahead of Saturday’s match against Panama, although there is no indication he is dealing with a significant issue.

Reece James is another reportedly being checked on ahead of the Group L finale.

The Chelsea captain also completed 90 minutes in Massachusetts but has dealt with a variety of injury issues down the years.

Tuchel’s side look all but assured of a place in the round of 32 ahead of facing already-eliminated Panama but must equal or better Ghana’s result against Croatia to top the group.

England only made two changes for their second group game and Tuchel has suggested he is tempted to shuffle the pack in New Jersey.

“I was not even sure if do the full rotation (if we had already won the group),” he said. “Maybe we would have.

“But still, I am not shy to do some rotation now if we think that some players should be on the pitch but maybe more moderate than before.

“It’s also maybe not fair if you just throw 10 new players in and say ‘OK, let’s perform’. Let’s see.”