Latest England World Cup injury news amid new Declan Rice worry after Bukayo Saka boost

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England midfielder Declan Rice was spotted with heavy strapping on his calf and limping following their goalless draw with Ghana . The Three Lions star has been nursing a number of issues throughout the campaign including calf-related problems.

The 27-year-old played the entirety of the stalemate with the Black Stars but fears over his long-term fitness have been raised as he continues to battle through. Rice was seen with heavy strapping on his left calf and walking gingerly through the mixed zone sparking fears over his involvement against Panama .

Rice's involvement was monitored in the group opener against Croatia but Thomas Tuchel couldn't afford to rotate too heavily with the Three Lions labouring to a point in Group L.

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Tuchel said: "The point where he is now is one of the very best midfielders in the world . You see a humble, humble footballer, humble, ready to be a team player, ready every day to give energy into the good quality into the group and just ready to learn and learn every day. So his career makes him one of the very best at the moment."

Rice's Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka has also been nursing an injury after an Achilles problem plagued the winger throughout the latter stages of the Gunners' Premier League title push.

While the forward played through the issue, both England and the top-flight champions were cautious over his minutes. As a result, he has been forced to start from the bench in each of the first two England World Cup matches.

Saka, however, trained with the first-team during the Ghana preparations and with the 24-year-old now providing a selection headache for Tuchel.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss says he is now fit to start after Noni Madueke started in his place.

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He said: "It's another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka and the beautiful thing is they do it for Arsenal as well.

"Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go - without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.

"Everyone has trained, everyone is available. No matter whether it's Marc (Guehi) in defence or Marcus (Rashford) and Bukayo (Saka), they all bought into it, the team as starters or coming on from the bench.”

England sit top of the group on goal difference with Ghana level on points following a win over Panama in their first game of the tournament.

Croatia got their first points on the board after Ante Budimir's second-half effort was enough to take the spoils against the FIFA-ranked 34th nation in the world.

New Jersey will play host to England's final group game against Panama with the knockout beginning to look clear as the Three Lions look set to play their round of 32 clash on July 1.

As it stands, they will face minnows Cape Verde , who have two points after their famous results against Spain and Uruguay - though that is subject to change ahead of the final games of the group stage.

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