UMVA has learned that England's Declan Rice provided a reassuring injury update after being substituted in the second half of a crucial match.
The Arsenal midfielder was replaced by Morgan Rogers with 20 minutes remaining, sparking concern among fans and teammates alike, as Rice appeared to be limping on his way to the substitutes' bench.
However, Rice quickly alleviated worries about his fitness, revealing that he is simply "nursing" an issue that has been bothering him throughout the second half of the season at club level.
"All good, good as gold," Rice told ITV when asked about his early withdrawal. "Just what I've been nursing probably in the second half of the season, little neural pains here and there, but I'm all good."
Rice emphasized that his substitution was a precautionary measure, assuring that he will be back in action against Ghana. "All fine, just precaution and I'll be back out there against Ghana," he stated.
England's overall performance was also discussed, with Rice highlighting the team's vastly improved second-half display. "I think obviously the first half probably felt worse than what it was just because of the manner of the goals we conceded," he said.
"We had a lot of the ball, but I think in the second half you see that punch, that desire from the first minute," Rice added. "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."
The England team's manager echoed Rice's sentiments, stating that he did not want to take any risks with his player's fitness. "Let's see. I hope they're OK. I would never take Declan out normally," he told ITV.
The manager also highlighted the team's areas for improvement, citing their struggles to win the ball back cleanly. "We were not very clean when we won balls. We learn a lot from these moments. We are exhausted but I loved exhausted players in the dressing room. It's pressure, it's the first game of the tournament."
