Thomas Tuchel Expects Declan Rice to Be Fit for Ghana Match

Thomas Tuchel expects Declan Rice to be fit for England’s second group game against Ghana, despite the midfielder being withdrawn during the 4-2 win over Croatia with what was described as “discomfort”.

Rice, who anchored England’s midfield in their free-flowing World Cup opener, came off in the second half after Tuchel spotted something was not right.

The England head coach explained that it was his own alarm bells that prompted the change. Rice, usually so secure in possession, started to misplace passes. Tuchel saw the signs, went to his captain on the pitch and got a clear answer.

“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” Tuchel said. “I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.

“I didn’t want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off, which I never wanted to do, but it was the moment to protect him, and I think Reece James did so well to replace him in the central midfield.

“[Rice] had a fantastic game, so I hope it’s nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end that it’s good and he knows the discomfort. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about.”

The change did little to disrupt England’s rhythm as they saw out an entertaining 4-2 victory to open their 2026 World Cup campaign, but all eyes immediately turned to Rice’s condition with Ghana looming in the schedule.

Rice moved quickly to calm any fears. The Arsenal midfielder framed the issue as a familiar one rather than a fresh injury.

“All good, good as gold,” he said afterwards. “Just what I’ve been nursing, probably, in the second half of the season at Arsenal, little neural pains here and there.

“But yeah, I’m all good, I’m all fine, just precaution and I’ll be back out there again against Ghana.”

For Tuchel and England, that is the key line. Their midfield general expects to be back in the thick of it when Ghana arrive.