Rice shrugs off dead leg to stay available as Rashford hamstring scare adds to England's World Cup injury concerns

Declan Rice is available for England’s final World Cup group-stage fixture against Panama after shaking off a dead leg sustained in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, Massachusetts. The Arsenal midfielder was seen limping from the stadium after the match, but reports indicate there was never serious concern over a significant injury.

Rice, 26, has been managing a hamstring problem for the past six months, playing through the pain barrier during Arsenal’s title charge before carrying the issue into the tournament. He completed the full 90 minutes against Ghana and was later spotted with strapping on his left leg, while compression socks have also been part of his routine to reduce the strain on his hamstrings.

Despite his availability, Thomas Tuchel may still opt to rest Rice against Panama, with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ready to step in. England’s failure to beat Ghana means top spot in Group L is not guaranteed, and Tuchel is expected to field a strong side to secure first place.

Marcus Rashford is also pushing for a starting berth after being restricted to just seven minutes off the bench against Ghana. It has since emerged that Rashford was being managed due to a tight hamstring, but he came through the Ghana game without incident and is now pressing for more game time in New Jersey. The forward is competing with Anthony Gordon for a place in the starting XI.

Reece James is another player Tuchel must carefully manage. The Chelsea right-back has a well-documented history of hamstring problems, and the England head coach has acknowledged the need to protect him throughout the tournament. Djed Spence, who featured at left-back against Ghana, could retain his place in the side, potentially switching flanks depending on Tuchel’s final selection.