Gary Neville has raised a question mark over Declan Rice following his substitution during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville noted that Rice’s performance and subsequent withdrawal didn’t quite seem right.
“Declan is usually so prominent in every football match we watch. He’s usually everywhere. Last night, is there a concern?” Neville said.
“One, he was subbed after 60 odd minutes. And to be fair, Thomas Tuchel said, ‘I never take Declan off.’ He said that at the end, and I can’t remember any point in the game — is there a problem there injury wise?”
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Tuchel had already addressed the substitution after the game, explaining that Rice had pointed to discomfort in his lower back and upper hamstring, and that the decision was purely precautionary.
“Normally I would never take Declan out, but I didn’t want to take any risk,” Tuchel said.
Rice himself insisted afterwards that he was “all good” and expects to be available for England’s next game against Ghana.
Declan Rice’s fitness may be carefully monitored throughout the World Cup
Rice has proven to be extremely durable throughout his career, but he was playing through a back problem towards the end of last season to help Arsenal complete their Premier League and Champions League pursuits.
Given his importance to England, it would not be surprising to see Tuchel manage his minutes more carefully, particularly in the remaining group stage matches.
The England manager has shown he has full trust in his squad, putting faith in Noni Madueke to start from the off ahead of Bukayo Saka, who is also not fully fit.
Aside from the substitution, in terms of Rice’s overall performance against Croatia, it was far from a poor one.
While he may not have been his full usual self, he still created the most chances of any player on the pitch, thanks to the quality of his delivery from set-pieces.
Tuchel and Mikel Arteta will both be hoping Rice’s reassurances about his fitness are accurate, and that he is simply being given a breather rather than carrying anything more serious.
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