Declan Rice, the Arsenal midfielder expected to be a key player for England at the World Cup, has already faced a stern telling-off before the Three Lions' campaign begins — not from his manager, but from his mother. The reason? A severe case of sunburn during the official World Cup photoshoot in Florida.
Sunburn Woes
Rice admitted he struggled to adjust to the intense Florida sunshine after arriving at England's pre-tournament training base. The players had their official World Cup pictures taken, and Rice confessed he was "bright red" after overexposure to the sun. When asked how he knew he had done too much, he laughed: "When the sunburn comes! I think everyone has seen those photos, I was bright red in that photo shoot. My mum was killing me!"
Adjusting to the Heat
He explained: "Honestly, the first day we came, it was just getting used to that heat. Coming from England where it's hot-cold, all different types of weather, coming here and it's always 30 degrees — it really does hit you in the face." Despite the initial discomfort, Rice felt good after a few sessions and played 60 minutes in England's 3-0 win over Costa Rica, even scoring a goal.
Ready for the Tournament
Rice was given an extra week off after playing in the Champions League final but was eager to return to training. He said: "It was lovely to have a week off, a complete re-set but I was getting itchy feet after four or five days though, to be back with the boys." Reflecting on his season, he noted: "I think it's been more mentally tough than physically. Even though I have played so many games, the emotions you go through on a football pitch is ridiculous."
Confidence High
With the Premier League title under his belt, Rice is optimistic about England's chances: "I think winning that Premier League for me, I have come here with a sense of confidence and a spring in my step. Now I have got over that line with Arsenal it has given me that confidence that we can come here and achieve big things as well." He concluded: "I feel good as gold. Feel really fit, feel really strong. I'm really in a good place at the moment."
