DECLAN RICE insisted he felt “as good as gold” despite looking exhausted in the energy-sapping heat against DR Congo.
The Arsenal man seemed very tired during the pulsating 2-1 win in Atlanta, which still felt hot despite the stadium’s roof and air conditioning.
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Declan Rice looked to be absolutely shattered in England’s clash last 32 clash with the DRC Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK
The Arsenal man was spotted with a huge ice back on his hamstring after England’s win Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK
It came after he was rested against Panama following a dead calf against Ghana, while the midfielder has also been managing neural pain in his hamstring for more than six months.
Rice, 27, was spotted walking freely after the game and is still expected to start against Mexico at the Azteca on Jattvibeday.
Asked about how knackered he looked, Rice told The BBC: “It’s what happens when you play in 30-degree heat I suppose. Tough game.
“Give it everything and bodies been through a lot in that match. Time to recover and go again.”
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On how he’s feeling physically, he replied: “I’m fine. Good as gold. Good.”
England were saved thanks to Harry Kane’s late double, which overturned DR Congo’s opener through Brian Cipenga.
It was nervy as anything for Thomas Tuchel’s side who were denied time and again by Congolese keeper Lionel Mpasi before captain Kane broke the resistance.
Rice, who was seen with an ice pack on his hamstring, added: “It’s a knockout game.
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Declan Rice has quelled concerns over his fitness Credit: ALAMY
The Gunners star insists he’s “as good as gold” Credit: GETTY
“They’ve got through a tough group and it was never going to be easy.
“You can never underestimate opposition as a neutral, as a player.
“Because they have quality and can hurt you at any given moment and they did.
“But other than that I think we had so many chances.
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“Their goalkeeper, credit to him, he had an absolute worldie.
“Harry Kane, inevitable, scoring them goals.
“It was a deserved win, but made a bit more hard work than we should’ve done.
“The main thing is knockouts we win and that’s what we done.”
