Declan Rice insisted he is ‘all good’ after the midfielder was surprisingly subbed off during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the World Cup.
The Three Lions got their tournament up and running with a breathless and entertaining victory over Croatia in Dallas, Texas.
Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, but goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa meant Thomas Tuchel’s side went in level at the break.
But England were far improved after the break, taking the lead again after just 90 seconds through Jude Bellingham and wrapping the match up late with a counterattack finished clinically by Marcus Rashford.
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Perhaps the only cause for slight concern in the second half came when Rice was replaced by Morgan Rogers with 20 minutes remaining.
The Arsenal midfielder has been virtually ever-present for Tuchel’s England, but did appear to be limping as he made his way to the substitutes bench.
However, the 27-year-old was quick to allay any serious concerns over his fitness, but did say he is still ‘nursing’ an issue that has been with him throughout the second half of the season at club level.
‘All good, good as gold,’ Rice told ITV when asked about his early withdrawal.
‘Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season, little neural pains here and there, but I’m all good.
‘All fine, just precaution and I’ll be back out there against Ghana.’
Asked about England’s overall performance, Rice added: ‘I think obviously the first half probably felt worse than what it was just because of the manner of the goals we conceded.
‘We had a lot of the ball, but I think in the second half you see that punch, that desire from the first minute. There was that extra spring in our step, the press, our strength, the way we went forward, the way we created chances in the second half, and the keeper had a worldie.
‘So, yeah, all round I think it was a great performance.’
Tuchel, meanwhile, said he did not want to take any risks with Rice as his England side now turn their attention to their second group-stage encounter versus Ghana.
‘Declan pointed to his lower back, upper hamstring and feels some discomfort,’ the German told rreporrters post-match.
‘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 it’s good. It’s nothing big to worry about.’
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