Live
WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles opens up on teaming with Dragon Lee in WWE final runSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty returns to Glasgow Gold with new name and same fireWINTER SPOStenmark Stenmark's Enduring Edge: A Closer LookWRESTLINGOspreay Will Ospreay Signs with NJPW: A Life-Changing Decision for th...GOLFScheffler Scottie Scheffler defends Bryson DeChambeau amid calls for st...FOOTBALL (Mahomes Patrick Mahomes cleared for Chiefs' Week 1 return vs Broncos,...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles opens up on teaming with Dragon Lee in WWE final runSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty returns to Glasgow Gold with new name and same fireWINTER SPOStenmark Stenmark's Enduring Edge: A Closer LookWRESTLINGOspreay Will Ospreay Signs with NJPW: A Life-Changing Decision for th...GOLFScheffler Scottie Scheffler defends Bryson DeChambeau amid calls for st...FOOTBALL (Mahomes Patrick Mahomes cleared for Chiefs' Week 1 return vs Broncos,...

Declan Rice Injury Worries Laid Bare After England Star's Struggles

2026-07-15 · Declan Rice · Club News

Declan Rice Injury Worries Laid Bare After England Star's Struggles

Declan Rice injury worries laid bare after England star's struggles

Declan Rice's fitness concerns have been raised by pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright after the England star struggled during the World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

What happened?

Declan Rice was forced to play through injury and illness for Arsenal and England at the World Cup. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder had to overcome a bug to be fit for selection to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final. He has been nursing a persistent issue with his hamstring.

Why it matters for Declan Rice

Gary Neville questioned whether the 27-year-old was fit to begin with. He said: "I think it could be Declan Rice [being substituted] because in the first-half, I don't know what was up with him. He was struggling with corners, and I wondered whether he looked fit." Ian Wright added: "He has been struggling in the first-half, you could tell with his set-pieces, he didn't look right."

What comes next?

The England star was brought off at half-time and replaced by Eberechi Eze. England fell behind after a dominant first half-hour when Andreas Schjelderup's cross-cum-shot caught Jordan Pickford off guard. The World Cup dark-horses then had a gilt-edged chance go begging when Alexander Sorloth failed to convert a counter-attack when he selfishly opted to go alone, despite golden boot-chasing Erling Haaland in support.

The 27-year-old was left out of the starting 11 entirely for their 2-0 win over Panama in the final match of their group stage campaign. Rice has been forced to play through pain after emerging as a star man for Thomas Tuchel. The Gunners star managed the problem in order to help them to their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Declan Rice has been a key player for England in the World Cup, but his fitness concerns have been raised by pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright. The 27-year-old has been nursing a persistent issue with his hamstring and has been forced to play through injury and illness.

The England star was brought off at half-time and replaced by Eberechi Eze. England fell behind after a dominant first half-hour when Andreas Schjelderup's cross-cum-shot caught Jordan Pickford off guard. The World Cup dark-horses then had a gilt-edged chance go begging when Alexander Sorloth failed to convert a counter-attack when he selfishly opted to go alone, despite golden boot-chasing Erling Haaland in support.

What's next for Declan Rice?

The 27-year-old will be looking to bounce back from his struggles in the World Cup quarter-final. England will be hoping to progress to the semi-finals, but they will need to overcome their fitness concerns. Declan Rice's performance will be crucial in determining the team's chances of success.

The England star has been a key player for the team, but his fitness concerns have been raised by pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright. The 27-year-old has been nursing a persistent issue with his hamstring and has been forced to play through injury and illness.

The World Cup has been a challenging tournament for Declan Rice, but he has shown his resilience and determination. The 27-year-old will be looking to bounce back from his struggles and help England progress to the semi-finals.

category: player_focus

More Declan Rice news →