Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes England are ‘struggling to run’ at the World Cup after being left alarmed by Declan Rice’s display in the victory over DR Congo.
The Three Lions fell behind after just seven minutes in their last 32 clash on Wednesday night and were on the brink of humiliating early exit during a shambolic display in Atlanta.
Harry Kane stepped up however to rescue his side, scoring twice to rescue victory and set up a last 16 showdown with Mexico.
Rice has been managing a neural issue since the turn of the year and missed the final group game against Panama at the weekend.
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He returned to the starting XI yesterday but was spotted with an ice pack on his hamstring after being substituted for John Stones.
Rice played a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign, playing more minutes than any other outfield player with his performances perhaps below his usual outstanding level so far at the World Cup.
Former Sweden international Ibrahimovic believed the entire England team struggled physically against Congo with Rice a particular concern.
‘We can discuss about details and that, but today I saw England suffering physically,’ Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports after the match.
‘I didn’t see them run like before, especially Declan Rice. His quality is to run but it is like he was struggling. Not only him, also the other ones.
‘It is not how you win, it is important to win. Especially this England, they have a lot of pressure to win. Why, I don’t know.
‘But they won and we are happy they went through in the tournament. Super happy for the tournament because we need England in this tournament.’
With Reece James and Jarell Quansah unavailable, Rice moved into a right-back role following Djed Spence’s withdrawal and played his part in England’s fight back.