Declan Rice
ARS
CM
Creative Playmaker
Jan 14, 1999 (27)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
ArsenalPlays 45 minutes in Shield win
Rice played 45 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City, with coach Mikel Arteta suggesting the midfielder's remarkable durability could once again see him handle a heavy workload this season. "He's done it previously, the last two or three seasons he's done something very similar to that so he's already done it, hopefully he doesn't need to do it that consistently and focus more on the quality and the performance than the volume but probably he will say the opposite. He will say that he wants to play 70 games this year if he can because he wants to go for everything"
Analysis: Rice's involvement came after his training response cleared him for a role in this fixture, following a season in which he finished with four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal win the title, and a strong World Cup for England, where he contributed a goal and two assists while averaging a team high 2.4 chances created per game despite battling minor knocks. Rice is expected to continue building up his workload as the new EPL season approaches which begins on Friday against Coventry.
Could feature in Shield
Rice could be involved in Sunday's Community Shield if his training response is positive, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "They will be available; they trained with us today, they will train tomorrow, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved"
Analysis: Rice's potential involvement comes after he finished last season with four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal win the title, and capped it with a strong World Cup for England, contributing a goal and two assists while averaging a team high 2.4 chances created per game despite battling minor knocks and an illness during the tournament. Rice is expected to build up his workload ahead of the Community Shield.
Back to prepare new season
Rice is back to prepare the new 2026/27 Premier League season with Arsenal, according to the club.
Analysis: Rice finished last season with four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal win the title, and capped it with a strong World Cup for England, contributing one goal and two assists while averaging a team high 2.4 chances created per game despite battling minor knocks and an illness during the tournament. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on a productive season for both club and country.
Scores, assists in third-place win
Rice scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and two chances created in Saturday's 6-4 victory versus France.
Analysis: Rice took advantage of a defensive mistake to recover a ball and dribble towards the box before firing a well-placed strike in the third minute against France. Other than that, the midfielder did a great job on set pieces, with one of his corner kick crosses leading to the goal that doubled England's lead. He went through some struggles throughout the competition due to minor blows and an illness that limited his involvement, but overall he served as a big piece of his national squad, posting one goal and two assists and averaging a team-high 2.4 chances created per game.
Quiet in loss
Rice generated one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-1 loss against Argentina.
Analysis: Rice was back in the starting XI despite being troubled by an illness, and put together a decent performance. The midfielder was brought off, as England looked to shut the match down, though that didn't work. Rice has been one of England's most important players throughout the World Cup, and should play a role against France in the third-place decider.
Ready to go Wednesday
Rice (illness) is fully fit and available for Wednesday's clash with Argentina, England announced.
Analysis: Rice is back in full training and is fully fit for Wednesday's clash. The midfielder plays a huge role from open play and set-pieces and is expected to be a key part of the XI in the semi final. Rice was also a doubt coming into the quarter final, and was only able to play 45 minutes in the 2-1 win over Norway, so it's possible he will be rotated or limited even if he starts.
Late call for Wednesday
Rice is still feeling unwell after dealing with illness in recent days, and his availability for Wednesday's semi-finals clash against Argentina is in doubt, although there's hope that he'll reach a complete recovery for the match, Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport reports.
Analysis: Rice has been improving from his ailment, but he did see his participation limited to 45 minutes in the last game versus Norway. The midfielder is a key all-around contributor for his national team, making his status a major concern ahead of the final couple of contests. He has been replaced by Eberechi Eze when England need to focus on attacking, but Kobbie Mainoo is also available as a more defensive-minded alternative in case Rice is not ready for meaningful workload.
Struggles in 45-minute appearance
Rice had three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Norway.
Analysis: Rice was healthy enough to start after recovering from illness and injury, and he took set pieces during his time on the pitch, but he was replaced by Eberechi Eze for the second half against Norway. The defensive midfielder has slowed down after a strong group stage, with his average dropping from 5.0 chances created per game in the first two matches to just 1.0 over three playoff rounds. He's still highly valuable for passes and corner kicks if he stays in the lineup, looking to bounce back in the final couple of World Cup contests.
Starting quarter final
Rice (illness) is starting Saturday's clash with Norway.
Analysis: Rice was expected to recover from his illness in time to get the start Saturday and did just that. The midfielder is back in the starting XI and should be a key part of England's midfield throughout the match. Rice has started every match in the World Cup except a matchday three clash with Panama after the group was already decided.
Returns to training Friday
Rice (illness) took part in training Friday and should be available for Saturday's quarterfinal showdown against Norway, Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Rice missed training Wednesday and Thursday, but he was able to participate with the rest of his teammates Friday, meaning he should be an option for the weekend. If Rice is deemed healthy by the coaching staff, and the latest reports seem to indicate he's trending in the right direction, he should remain in the starting lineup as a holding midfielder next to Elliot Anderson in Thomas Tuchel's 4-2-3-1 tactic.
Still not training, dealt illness
Rice was not in training for a second consecutive day due to an illness, according to Sami Mokbel of the BBC.
Analysis: Rice was once again left out of training as the midfielder recovers from some lingering problems. The midfielder was dealing with a neural issue and is now confirmed to have an illness, making his symptoms worse. It appears this could be a concern, but with another day until their match, he does have time to recover, and the main focus remains on keeping the other players away from the illness, possibly the reason he is missing out. He should still be considered a starter for the team heading into Saturday, although that could quickly change if improvement doesn't come soon.
Misses training, still an option
Rice was not training Wednesday as he does recovery work on a lower back injury, but is expected to still play against Norway on Saturday, according to John Cross of the Mirror.
Analysis: Rice is still dealing with a bit of pain in his back, a persistent issue this World Cup. That has led the midfielder to take training easy and do some recovery work instead of joining the team for training, although this is unlikely to force him to miss time. He should then return to his starting role when facing Norway on Saturday, a major part of the team they cannot do without, as he serves as their anchor in the middle of the pitch.
Two corners in 3-2 win
Rice recorded one cross (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Mexico. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 1st minute.
Analysis: Rice was relatively quiet as England won 3-2 against Mexico to book their place in the quarter-finals against Norway and his fellow Arsenal teammate Martin Odegaard. He took two corners, which were his fewest in the tournament so far, with the previous lowest being five. He had to be careful in the game as he was booked within the first minute. He also made two blocks and clearance.
Starting as expected
Rice (back) is part of England's starting XI to face Mexico on Sunday.
Analysis: Rice won't be forced to miss the World Cup round of 16 match after being questionable prior to the game. However, the central man has been playing through discomfort and may struggle to complete the full 90 minutes. Despite being tested as a full-back due to England's injury situation, Rice will feature in his regular midfield position, with Jarell Quansah operating in the wide defensive spot. The Arsenal player has excelled in creative duties throughout the tournament, taking plenty of set pieces and averaging 4.0 chances created per game while providing one assist over three appearances.
Likely to be available
Rice has been managing a neural problem affecting his hamstring and lower back throughout the tournament and was substituted in injury time of the win over DR Congo, though he is likely to be available to start Sunday's round of 16 clash against Mexico, according to Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport.
Analysis: Rice has been soldiering through the issue throughout the World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel insisting there is no structural injury despite the significant discomfort. The Arsenal captain will aim to be fit enough to start against Mexico at altitude in Mexico City, with his availability considered likely despite the ongoing pain management. Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo would be the likely replacements if the Gunner can't make it.
Playing through pain
Rice is dealing with lower back and neural pain, which has affected his hamstrings, and is considered an injury doubt for the Round of 16 clash against Mexico on Sunday, John Cross of The Mirror reports.
Analysis: Even though Thomas Tuchel revealed "there's no injury" with Rice and that "I think he'll recover," it's worth mentioning that Rice has had fitness issues throughout the World Cup. The Arsenal star, who closed out the win over DR Congo at right-back due to tactical needs and a subpar showing from Djed Spence, will try to recover in time to start in a tough matchup against El Tri at the altitude of Mexico City. If Rice isn't fit enough to play, Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo would be logical replacements, though Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze could also be alternatives, as well as Reece James (hamstring), to play in the middle of the park.
12 crosses in win
Rice had 12 crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 2-1 win against the DR Congo.
Analysis: Rice sent in 12 crosses and took five corners during Wednesday's win, but he didn't make a big impact on the match. He couldn't find the killer ball to set up Harry Kane and co. at the top of the formation. The midfielder has been excellent throughout the tournament and should be back in a huge role when England take on Mexico next time out.
Added to bench
Rice (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with Panama.
Analysis: Rice was a doubt coming into the match, and in the end he hasn't been risked for the finale of the group stage. England should have more than enough firepower to beat Panama even without Rice, as Morgan Rogers steps into the starting XI. Rice should be fully fit and ready to start barring any setbacks ahead of the knockout stage.
Deemed fit to face Panama
Rice (calf) is an option for Saturday's match against Panama, according to manager Thomas Tuchel, per Dom Smith of The Standard. "Elliot and Declan were training today. They had minor issues after the match, but they had enough time to recover. So everyone except for Reece is available, and we will take the decision [on who starts the game] tomorrow."
Analysis: Rice was coming into Saturday's match with some doubt, but will end up being an option, with the midfielder set to make the team sheet against Panama. However, it appears unlikely he will feature from the start, potentially even being sat out the entire match to be cautious. That said, the calf issue is not the only thing to worry about, as he also sits on a yellow card and looks to avoid a suspension. Kobbie Mainoo will likely enter the starting XI in his place.
Training but still doubtful
Rice (calf) is back in training but remains a doubt for Saturday's match against Panama, according to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian.
Analysis: Rice has returned to training and eased concerns after leaving the Ghana match with his left calf heavily strapped and a noticeable limp, but coach Thomas Tuchel still faces a genuine dilemma over whether to start his midfield leader against Panama. With England almost through and Rice on a yellow card, the case for protecting him is strong. That would open the door for Kobbie Mainoo to earn his first start of the tournament, with Jordan Henderson also available if Tuchel prefers experience in the role.
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