DECLAN RICE is ready to start against Panama if required – despite the dead leg he suffered versus Ghana.
JattvibeSport understands there was never a fear of a serious problem over the Arsenal star.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
Declan Rice is fit to start against Panama Credit: Getty
He has been managing a hamstring injury for six months Credit: PA
But Rice could still be one of a few changes made by boss Thomas Tuchel for England’s final group game on Saturday, with Kobbie Mainoo in line to feature.
While Marcus Rashford is pushing to start over Anthony Gordon in New Jersey.
Although there are still concerns over the Manchester United winger’s tight hamstring which restricted him to just seven minutes on Tuesday.
Midfielder Rice has been managing neural pain in his hamstring for the last six months.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
RICE IS COOKED
Tuchel ready to axe exhausted stars amid Rice injury fear
WORLDIE OFFERS
World Cup 2026 free bets and offers: Best new football sign-up deals
He played the entirety of the 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston but later had strapping to help with his dead left calf.
Rice has been wearing compression socks to help his hamstrings and back.
His fitness is being assessed, along with that of Chelsea full-back Reece James.
The defender has a history of injury but has played every minute of World Cup action so far.
WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS
World Cup 2026 – all the info
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
This year’s World Cup is like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought.
But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance.
JattvibeSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament
LATEST NEWS
KEY INFO
VIDEO
TIPS AND BETTING
If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Tuchel has said he will make changes for Panama, who are already out of the World Cup after two defeats.
Though the stalemate against Ghana means he will not make as many as he would have had England already secured first place.
Manchester United midfielder Mainoo, 21, is primed to come in if Rice starts on the bench.
While Djed Spence could move to his more natural position of right-back, should James be rested.
Marcus Rashford is also dealing with a hamstring complaint Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
CLICK ON PIC FOR STAR’S PROFILE
He started against Ghana in the left-back role but was often pelted by Tuchel from the sidelines.
England will be aiming to top the group with a victory over the Central American nation.
They could be knocked off the summit of the group by either Croatia or Ghana if they fail to win.
