Tuchel plays down Declan Rice injury scare after England's 4-2 win over Croatia

Declan Rice has moved to ease fears over his fitness after being substituted with a lower back and upper hamstring complaint during England’s 4-2 World Cup group-stage win over Croatia in Arlington, Dallas.

The Arsenal midfielder was withdrawn on 72 minutes after Thomas Tuchel noticed signs of discomfort, with Rice later spotted limping pitchside. However, the England head coach was quick to downplay the concern in his post-match press conference.

“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” Tuchel said. “Then I asked him and he pointed directly to his lower back and upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort. I didn’t want to take any risks and if I take Declan off, which I never want to do, it was the moment to protect.”

Tuchel added that Rice personally reassured him at the final whistle. “I hope it’s nothing more — Declan just reassured me at the end ‘it’s good, it’s good’ and I know the discomfort, we will take care of it. It’s nothing big to worry about.”

Rice himself confirmed as much in a post-match interview, describing the issue as a niggle he had been managing through the second half of the club season. “All good, good as gold,” he said. “Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season, little pains here and there, but I’m all good. Just precaution and I’ll be back out there against Ghana.”

Rice is understood to have required injections during the closing weeks of Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns to keep him available.

Despite the scare, Rice was positive about England’s overall display in a six-goal thriller. “I think obviously the first half probably felt worse than what it was just because of the manner of the goals we conceded,” he said. “But in the second half you see that punch, that desire from the first minute — the press, our strength, the way we went forward, the way we created chances, and the keeper had a worldie. All round I think it was a great performance.”

Tuchel also praised Reece James, who replaced Rice in midfield. “I think Reece James did so well to replace him in midfield — he did a fantastic game,” the head coach said.