Declan Rice is set to be available for England's final World Cup group game against Panama if selected by Thomas Tuchel after shrugging off injury concerns. The midfielder suffered a dead leg in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday, which prompted fears that he could miss the Group L clash.
England's Group Situation
England's failure to beat Ghana means that their progress as group winners is not guaranteed unless they beat Panama, and Tuchel will likely choose to field his strongest XI to guarantee they do not fail to secure top spot. Rice, as one of the most important figures in the camp, would be a prime option to start. But the 26-year-old is available for selection after overcoming the problem.
Rice's Injury History
According to The Sun, there was 'never a fear' of Rice sustaining a serious injury despite being spotted limping out of the stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. Rice has been managing a hamstring problem that has hampered him for the last six months. The Arsenal star has been forced to play through the pain barrier during his team's title charge and now playing at the World Cup for his country. He played the entirety of the 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston but was later seen with strapping applied to his left leg. Rice has also been forced to wear compression socks to reduce the burden on his hamstrings. For that reason, Tuchel could still decide to rest him with Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in line to come into the side.
Marcus Rashford's Fitness
Marcus Rashford is also pushing to start over Anthony Gordon in New Jersey after making a difference off the bench in their two games so far. Rashford was restricted to just seven minutes off the bench against Ghana and it has emerged he was being managed due to a tight hamstring. But he came through unscathed and now looks set to get more game time in the upcoming tie.
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
