Overview
- Rice was taken off in the 72nd minute of England’s 4-2 Group L victory over Croatia in Dallas after he was seen moving uncomfortably and limping as he left the pitch.
- Manager Thomas Tuchel said Rice pointed to lower‑back and upper‑hamstring discomfort and that the change was a risk‑avoidance move to protect the midfielder.
- Rice told ITV he was “good as gold,” described the problem as minor neural pains he had been managing through a heavy club season, and expects to be available for the next game in Boston.
- Tuchel replaced Rice with Morgan Rogers and reshuffled the side so Reece James operated in central midfield as a short‑term contingency while medical staff continue to monitor him.
- Rice’s withdrawal highlights England’s need to manage the 27‑year‑old’s heavy minutes from a demanding Arsenal season and underlines the squad’s focus on preservation of key players through the group stage.