England and Ghana played out a forgettable goalless draw on Tuesday at the World Cup, but the frustrating contest for the Three Lions could become a nightmare one as an injury concern emerges over Declan Rice.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were met with a well-drilled, stubborn Ghana side, happy to sit in a low block for the entire match.
There were chances, notably for Nico O’Reilly and Harry Kane late on, but England could not breach the defences of Carlos Quieroz’s team.
It may be of little significance as England can still top their group if they beat Panama on Saturday, which they will clearly be favourites to do.
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However, there may be a doubt over Rice’s availability for that match, with the Arsenal star seen limping after the stalemate in Boston.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein posted on X: ‘Declan Rice walked through mixed zone with left calf strapped & noticeable limp after England 0-0 draw with Ghana in 2nd match at 2026 FIFA World Cup. Severity unclear ahead of last Group L game against Panama.’
Rice has been a key player for England for years, under previous boss Gareth Southgate and now Tuchel. His absence would be keenly felt if he were to miss any games.
The 27-year-old was not fully fit going into the game, claiming he was ‘good as gold’ while also explaining he has been dealing with a problem for months.
‘Yeah, all good, good as gold,’ Rice said ahead of the Ghana clash. ‘Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season at Arsenal, little neural pains here and there.
‘But yeah, I’m all good, all fine, just precaution. I’ll be back out there against Ghana.’
Rice was booked against Ghana, meaning that if he does play against Panama and is shown another yellow card, he would be suspended for England’s first knockout game.
It may be the most sensible option for Tuchel to leave him out on Saturday, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson also available to him.
Speaking after the lacklustre draw with Ghana, 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.
‘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.’