Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterDeclan Rice has been a mainstay of Thomas Tuchel's England lineups since the German took charge almost two years ago.The Arsenal midfielder has been lauded for his longevity, therefore it was concerning for England fans to see the 27-year-old limping in Boston, with strapping on his left leg following the 0-0 draw with Ghana.Rice was not named in England's starting XI against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, leading to speculation that the injury he suffered in England's last game was more serious than initially feared.Is Declan Rice injured?During England's pre-match press conference, Tuchel did his best to allay any fears over Rice's fitness.[Elliot] Anderson and Rice were training today [Thursday], the manager said. They had minor issues after the match but they had enough time to recover. You may like Declan Rice sparks England injury fears after limping out of Boston How to watch Panama vs England for FREE England World Cup 2026 Squad: Thomas Tuchels team make final preperations ahead of final group game vs Panama with O'Reilly and Rashford in contention to start So everyone except for Reece James is available, and we will take the decision [on who starts the game] tomorrow.Jarell Quansah replaces James at right-back, while Anderson starts as the sole holding midfielder in Tuchel's XI.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Jude Bellingham is expected to play slightly deeper in order to facilitate the inclusion of Morgan Rogers at No. 10.In FourFourTwo's opinion, it is very possible Tuchel has assessed the threat Panama pose and decided that risking a not fully fit Rice, who may aggravate his existing issue, would not be wise.England should have enough strength in depth to defeat a Panama side who have lost both of their previous Group L matches to Croatia and Ghana.TOPICSArsenalEnglandPanamaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Joe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
