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Thomas Tuchel details what Declan Rice told him after Arsenal star suffers injury scare
Jun 18 2026 05:17 · By Ryan Taylor · 261 Reads
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England boss Thomas Tuchel insists he thinks Declan Rice's injury scare is merely precautionary.
The Arsenal midfielder was forced off on 72 minutes after feeling an issue and he was later spotted limping in worrying news for the Three Lions.
However, speaking in his post-match press conference, Tuchel appeared to provide assurances Rice would be fine.
The German said: "Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort.
"Then I asked him and he pointed directly to his lower back and upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.
"I didn't want to take any risks and if I take Declan off, which I never want to do, it was the moment to protect.
"I think Reece James did so well to replace him in midfield, he did a fantastic game.
"I hope it's nothing more, Declan just reassured me at the end 'it's good, it's good' and I know the discomfort, we will take care of it. It's nothing big to worry about."
Rice is understood to have taken injections towards the back end of the season to aid Arsenal's pursuit of the Premier League title and Champions League glory.
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After the triumph following a six-goal thriller in Arlington, Rice was still fit enough to conduct an interview with ITV and he also seemed to ease fears over his fitness.
He said: "All good, good as gold," before adding: "Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season, little pains here and there, but I’m all good.
"I'm all fine, just precaution and I’ll be back out there against Ghana ."
Rice added on England's performance: "I think obviously the first half probably felt worse than what it was just because of the manner of the goals we conceded.
"We had a lot of the ball, but I think in the second half you see that punch, that desire from the first minute.
"There was that extra spring in our step, the press, our strength, the way we went forward, the way we created chances in the second half, and the keeper had a worldie. So, yeah, all round I think it was a great performance."