England international Declan Rice says he has been battling through a painful nerve issue in his hamstring since the start of the year. The Arsenal star had looked to have sustained another injury last week when he was withdrawn during England’s 4-2 World Cup win against Croatia. But the 27-year-old insisted that it was precautionary and the player is fully fit to take on Ghana in their Group Stage match on Tuesday at Boston’s Foxborough Stadium.
“I am good and fit and ready to go,” said Rice.
“I have had some nerve pain in the hamstring, the same thing, since Christmas, but coming off against Croatia was probably the smart thing to do.” The Londoner has been rewarded for an incredible season which saw him help Arsenal secure Premier League glory, the north Londoners’ first title for 20 years, before they reached the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
Rice has been a prominent member of the Three Lions’ squad, but concedes the rigours of playing 63 matches across all competitions this season have tested the squad. He said that the workload this season has been “obscene” but insisted that it’s all worth it in the hope of winning a major trophy.
“There are sacrifices that need to be made; obviously, the workload we had at club level this year was insane, really, really high. “I can’t say anything more than how happy I am that it’s paying off. It’s crazy to get over the line and play in these games, so that’s what we do it for.”
Rice confirmed his club colleague Bukayo Saka, who has a minor Achilles problem, was recovering well and that England’s management of players at the tournament had made him more excited about the chance of them playing a major role. England are seeking a second World Cup in a row as they begin the tournament against Ghana in Boston.
