DECLAN RICE has ignited fears that he could miss England’s World Cup showdown with Panama through injury.
The midfielder, 27, was unable to spearhead the Three Lions to victory as he and his team-mates were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate against Ghana.
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Declan Rice had heavy strapping on his left calf after the draw with Ghana Credit: X
The England vice-captain was also walking with a noticeable limp Credit: X
And it appears that Rice did not come through the Group L clash in Boston unscathed.
The Arsenal talisman was spotted heading through the mixed zone with heavy strapping on his left calf.
Rice was also seen walking with a noticeable limp, leading to concerns he could be ruled out of England’s meeting with Panama on Saturday.
The injury worry comes a matter of days after the Three Lions’ vice-captain admitted he has been secretly dealing with a hamstring problem for SIX MONTHS.
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After being taken off during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia last week, he said: “I think it was a smart decision (to be taken off).
“I was feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring, which I was managing from after Christmas with Arsenal for a very long time.
“Obviously, not a lot of people would have known that. It was all behind the scenes stuff.
“That last twenty minutes is where you really feel your body going through it.
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There are fears that Rice could miss this weekend’s showdown with Panama Credit: Getty
“And I think it was a smart decision because the last few days I felt really, really good.”
It will come as a huge blow for England chief Thomas Tuchel if Rice is forced onto the sidelines.
But the Premier League title winner’s absence against Panama could hand an opportunity to Kobbie Mainoo or Jordan Henderson to come into the starting line-up.
Djed Spence appeared to snub a handshake with former Arsenal man Thomas Partey before the clash with Ghana.
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Footage captured the full-back walking past the midfielder, who has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents in London between 2020 and 2022.
Spence was also singled out by Tuchel for some harsh instructions during the first half hydration break.
