Declan Rice’s partner Lauren Fryer hit by online abuse ahead of World Cup clash

Declan Rice’s childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer has been coping with relentless online abuse as the Arsenal midfielder prepares to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

What’s happening with Lauren Fryer?

Lauren Fryer has faced a barrage of online harassment and body-shaming, which led her to deactivate her social media accounts at the end of 2023. The abuse intensified during Rice’s rapid rise from West Ham’s Europa Conference League win in 2023 to his £100 million move to Arsenal.

How long have Rice and Fryer been together?

Rice and Fryer started dating as teenagers at Grey Court School in south-west London. They’ve stayed together for over a decade, welcoming their first child, Jude, in August 2022. Rice has called Fryer “the love of my life” in past interviews.

Why does the abuse matter now?

Fryer’s low-profile approach contrasts with England’s high-profile WAGs. Dani Dyer, who married Rice’s former West Ham teammate Jarrod Bowen, defended Fryer in June 2024. “She’s a really good mum who keeps to herself,” Dyer said. “No one deserves to be criticised like that.”

What’s next for Rice?

Rice returned to England’s midfield after a sickness bug at half-time against Norway. Now he’ll anchor the Three Lions’ engine room against Argentina in a high-stakes semi-final. Fryer is expected to be in the stands, cheering him on.

Rice and Fryer have kept their relationship out of the spotlight despite Rice’s England stardom. They’ve stayed close since school, even as Rice’s bromance with Mason Mount drew playful jabs from Fryer. “She’s quite worried,” Rice joked in 2019. “She’s always: ‘You two… you love him more than you love me.’