Declan Rice has been benched for England's final Group L match against Panama after suffering a calf injury, manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed. The Arsenal midfielder was substituted in the 72nd minute of England's 4-2 win over Croatia and played the full 90 minutes in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday. However, Rice was seen leaving the stadium after the Ghana match with his left calf strapped, and he has also been managing a hamstring injury since December.
Tuchel explains cautious approach
Speaking before kick-off on Saturday night, Tuchel told ITV that he is being cautious with Rice's playing time after he suffered a 'knock', and is also concerned that a yellow card against Panama would result in a suspension for England's round of 32 match. 'I take care today of Declan's situation, he got a knock, he is ready to play but I would like to manage his minutes a little bit,' Tuchel said. 'And he has a yellow card so I want to see how this match plays out – is it an intense match, are there a lot of duels, how is the referee with the yellow cards today. I need to get a feel for that and Declan knows that, that's why Jude goes in the No.8 position and Morgan is in the No.10.'
Five changes for England
Tuchel made five changes to the starting lineup for the Panama game. Rice, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, and Djed Spence dropped to the bench, while Reece James is out of the squad due to a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah earns his first World Cup start at right-back, and Nico O'Reilly returns at left-back. In midfield, Morgan Rogers gets his first start, with Jude Bellingham dropping deeper to an No.8 role. Marcus Rashford replaces Gordon on the left wing, and Bukayo Saka starts ahead of Madueke on the right.
England already through to round of 32
England have already secured qualification for the round of 32 regardless of the result against Panama. The confirmed lineups are as follows: England – Jordan Pickford; Nico O'Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka. Panama – Orlando Mosquera, Fidel Escobar, Jose Cordoba, Andres Andrade, Amir Murillo, Jorge Gutierrez, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martinez, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Edgar Yoel Barcenas, Tomas Rodriguez.
