Arsenal players, including Declan Rice, helped England kick off their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
The Three Lions were always the favourites to win the game, but this fixture was viewed by many as their most difficult one in the group. However, it ended up being a comfortable victory.
A brace from Harry Kane followed by a goal each from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed the win, but there was a moment of concern in the second half.
Declan Rice came off in the second half after looking uncomfortable.
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Thomas Tuchel explains why he took Declan Rice off even though he never normally does it
Rice is one of Arsenal and England’s most important players.
The Englishman is not just an old-fashioned number six, but he has transformed into a world-class box-to-box midfielder for club and country.
Apart from his duties in the middle of the park, Rice is also integral to the side thanks to his ability from corners – Kane scored from one of them against Croatia.
That is why Mikel Arteta and Tuchel rarely ever take him off the pitch, but sometimes, it is very necessary.
On Wednesday night, the England manager revealed that Rice complained of discomfort during England’s win over Croatia.
Seeing that he is one of the first names on the team sheet, Tuchel decided to give him a break, even though it’s something he never really does.
He said, as per The Evening Standard: “Normally I would never take Declan out, but I didn’t want to take any risk.
“Declan pointed to his lower back, upper hamstring and feels some discomfort. I didn’t want to take any risks.
“It was a moment to protect him. I hope it’s nothing more. Declan reassured me at the end that it’s good. It’s nothing big to worry about.”
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England scored four past Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, and Arsenal’s players had a direct role to play in three of those strikes.
Noni Madueke won a penalty that Kane scored from in the first half before Rice delivered a peach of a corner for his skipper to double his tally.
Then, in the second half, Bukayo Saka came on and set Rashford through with a lovely pass from the right side of the pitch. The Manchester United man made no mistake in front of goal.
Three direct goal contributions from the three Arsenal players who got on the pitch is an excellent return. It again shows why the Gunners won the Premier League title.
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