England's medical staff are monitoring Declan Rice and Djed Spence after both players sustained injury scares during the 0-0 draw with Ghana in their second World Cup group game. Rice left the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts with significant strapping on his left calf following a strong challenge near the corner flag in the second half. Despite hitting the deck several times in the closing stages, the Arsenal midfielder was able to finish the match.
Spence's ankle knock adds to concerns
Djed Spence, who notably snubbed a pre-match handshake with Thomas Partey, appeared to pick up an ankle knock while defending a cross from Marvin Senaya at the back post. Anthony Gordon was caught under the ball, but Spence nullified the danger, jolting his ankle on the turf. The versatile full-back was substituted in the 66th minute and was spotted limping heavily after the full-time whistle.
Assessment ahead of Panama showdown
Both players will be assessed at England's Kansas City training base ahead of Saturday's final Group L match against Panama. Tuesday's stalemate was a sobering follow-up to England's impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener. However, Rice insisted there is no need to overreact, as England can still top the group with a positive result against Panama.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rice said: "It is always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball as deep as they were, but you have to find solutions. In the last 10 minutes we were unlucky not to score. We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama so positivity all round. They were very compact, 5-4-1 off the ball and tight spaces to play through, but on the other hand we can do more with the ball."
Tuchel's injury headache
Thomas Tuchel, who took over as England manager earlier this year, now faces an anxious wait over the fitness of two key players. Rice's calf issue and Spence's ankle problem add to the manager's concerns ahead of a must-win game. Rice added: "You have to give credit to Ghana. It's tough, and they are good players, so it was never going to be an easy game. We have one more group game to top the group, so we have to be positive. Loads of top nations draw the first game so there is no need to be negative or downbeat. We will stay positive."
