Declan Rice has offered a comprehensive update on his fitness for the 2026 World Cup, alleviating concerns after he was rested for England's final group match against Panama. The Arsenal midfielder, 27, has been managing a neural pain issue since December, which he addressed in detail ahead of the Three Lions' round of 32 clash with DR Congo.
Rice's Fitness Status and Calf Issue
Rice sat out England's 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, partly due to a kick to his calf during the Ghana game that caused swelling, and partly because he was on a yellow card and at risk of suspension for the knockout stage. He is now available for Wednesday's match against DR Congo in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I'm good. Genuinely, I'm good,” Rice said on the eve of the game. “I know there's been one [niggle] over my hamstring, which has been an issue, but that's not a problem because I'm still here training, I'm playing. I'm fine. I got a dead calf in the last minute of the Ghana game. The guy whacked me and it literally blew up for like three days, so that was just unlucky. It wasn't actually a calf problem. I’m managing myself really well. I feel good, fit and strong.”
Managing Neural Pain Since December
Rice revealed he has been dealing with “neural pain” since December, which he managed during the second half of Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign. He described the sensation as unusual and persistent.
“Strange, because you can just feel it like sitting there,” Rice explained. “It is not just a pain that happens [just] during football. You could be sat at home and you'd feel a little pain shoot up your leg. It's just something that is obviously a bit unusual for me because I've never had anything before, touch wood. I have tried to get my rest when I can and knew that last season I was just prioritising games.”
Rest and Recovery Strategy
Rice noted that the recent flare-up was a shock to his system after the Champions League final and a week of complete rest. “I think the body had a little bit of a shock,” he said. “I think that's why I started to feel the pain a little bit because towards the end [of the season] it was starting to ease off. I think it's just something I've got to keep managing. Once this season's done, I'll get my rest and I'm sure next season I'll go into it fine.”
Team Depth and Rotation
Rice expressed no frustration about missing the Panama match, emphasizing the depth of England's squad. “It is the World Cup, and missing out the other day [isn’t a problem]. We have a squad of 26 who are unbelievable and can play. Kobbie [Mainoo] can play, Jordan [Henderson] can play. Morgan [Rogers] came in and Jude [Bellingham] played as the No8,” he said.
“If it means that sometimes I have to miss out because we have other players who can play against a certain opposition, I'm fine with that, as long as we keep going and winning matches. I obviously want to play every match, but for the good of the team. The other day — with the calf [issue and] with me being on a yellow, as if I got another one, I would have missed the next game — I don't mind missing out the odd game just for other players to play.”
Rice added, “I’m not one of them who is going to sit and cry about it. I’m really supportive and want everyone to do well.”
