Declan Rice reveals lucky trainers ritual and four-pancake pre-match meal ahead of England's World Cup opener

Declan Rice has lifted the lid on the pre-match rituals he follows religiously before every game, including a pair of lucky trainers he refuses to leave behind and a four-pancake meal that he credits with giving him a significant energy boost. The Arsenal and England midfielder made the revelations ahead of England’s 2026 World Cup group-stage opener against Croatia in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, June 17.

Rice, 27, said he always wears a specific pair of black trainers with his tracksuit before kick-off, a habit rooted firmly in superstition. “In my mind, if I don’t wear them, I don’t think we’re gonna win,” he said, describing himself as “proper superstitious” and adding that the shoes have “history” for him.

The midfielder also follows a strict pre-match diet: four pancakes covered in syrup or honey, a routine recommended by Arsenal’s nutritionist. Rice admitted he was initially surprised to discover other players were doing the same thing. “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.

England’s clash with Croatia carries particular weight given the nations’ history. The Three Lions were beaten by the Vatreni in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, ending hopes of reaching a first final since 1966. The stakes are no less significant this time around, with England having spent more than two weeks in the United States acclimatising ahead of the tournament.

There was a setback on Tuesday when Tino Livramento was ruled out of the competition with a calf injury, with Trevoh Chalobah called up as his replacement. Manager Thomas Tuchel has kept four places in the starting XI open, holding off on his final selection until close to kick-off. Around 10,000 England supporters are expected to be in attendance in Dallas.