Rice Confirms Fitness Boost Ahead England Clash With Ghana

Declan Rice has provided an encouraging fitness update ahead of England national football team’s World Cup 2026 meeting with Ghana national football team, easing concerns after he was withdrawn during the opening victory over Croatia due to back and hamstring-related discomfort.

He explained that the substitution was a precautionary step, with the Arsenal midfielder insisting he is now fully recovered and ready to return to full action.

Rice also revealed that he had been managing a nerve-related hamstring issue over recent months but stressed that careful load management has helped him stay available.

He added that the final stages of matches often carry the highest risk of injury, which justified the early change against Croatia.

In training, Rice and Marcus Rashford both took part in full sessions and are expected to be available for selection as England prepare under Thomas Tuchel for tactical adjustments against Ghana.

Attention has also turned to Bukayo Saka, who is being carefully managed due to ongoing Achilles concerns but could still play a role depending on late fitness assessments.

England remain strong favourites in the encounter, with depth in squad options and recent form suggesting they are well placed to secure another victory and maintain momentum in the group.

Tuchel is expected to rotate his side slightly, ensuring key players are preserved while maintaining intensity as England aim to top their group ahead of the knockout stages with confidence growing within the camp ahead of the crucial fixture in Ghana it.