Former England international Lee Dixon has raised serious concerns about Declan Rice's fitness after the Arsenal midfielder appeared 'energy-depleted' during England's World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. The ITV co-commentator noticed Rice lacked his usual vigour, particularly when taking set-pieces, and suggested the 27-year-old was playing through illness and injury.
Rice's Fitness Struggles
Rice had to overcome a bug to be fit for the match against Stale Solbakken's side in Miami on Saturday, while also nursing a persistent hamstring issue. The Gunners star had played through the problem to help Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 20 years and has been a key figure for England under Thomas Tuchel. However, the strain appears to be taking its toll.
Rice was left out of the starting 11 entirely for England's 2-0 win over Panama in the final group stage match. During the quarter-final, Dixon observed that Rice's body language and performance were uncharacteristically poor.
Expert Analysis
Speaking on ITV, Dixon said: 'It's not like Declan Rice, it took him an age to get out there to take that corner, he looks energy-depleted. His body language... he's hit two corners, a free-kick, he never misses the spot, it's just missing from his game. He wandered over, we're 1-0 down, get yourself over, take it quickly. He just looks off colour, which we know he is.'
Rice was substituted at half-time and replaced by Eberechi Eze. Gary Neville, also commentating, added: 'I think it could be Declan Rice because in the first-half, I don't know what was up with him. He was struggling with corners, and I wondered whether he looked fit.'
Ian Wright agreed, stating: 'He has been struggling in the first-half, you could tell with his set-pieces, he didn't look right.'
Impact on England's Campaign
Rice's fitness issues come at a crucial stage of the World Cup, with England progressing to the semi-finals. The midfielder's ability to recover will be vital for Thomas Tuchel's side as they aim for glory. Arsenal will also be monitoring his condition closely ahead of the new season.
