Thomas Tuchel might have needed a minute after England’s opening World Cup win. Not because of the result — a 4-2 win over Croatia is a solid start. But because two of his most important players, Harry Kane and Declan Rice, both had people watching them a little too closely after the final whistle.
Kane scored twice at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and played the full 90. But photos after the game showed him with strapping around his left leg as he walked over to his family. Rice, meanwhile, was pulled in the 72nd minute for Morgan Rogers. He’d been pointing at his lower back and upper hamstring area, according to Tuchel.
The good news for England fans: neither issue is considered serious.
Rice’s substitution was precautionary. Kane’s strapping was just to manage some cramping. Both are expected to train fully in Kansas City later this week and should be available for Tuesday’s Group L match against Ghana at Boston Stadium.
Tuchel was pretty straightforward about the Rice situation during his postgame press conference.
“Declan pointed to his lower back, upper hamstring and feels some discomfort,” Tuchel said. “I didn’t want to take any risks. It was a moment to protect him. Declan reassured me at the end it’s good. It’s nothing big to worry about.”
That tracks with what the team has communicated internally. Rice has some soreness but nothing that’s expected to keep him out. For a player who covers as much ground as he does, especially in the Texas heat, a little maintenance sub isn’t worth overthinking.
Kane’s case is even more routine. He looked sharp against Croatia — two goals, including a powerful header off a corner from Rice. That’s the kind of connection England will need if they want to make a deep run. Seeing him with ice or strapping after a game in that kind of humidity is basically standard protocol for a striker who plays the way he does.
England probably won’t need to push either guy against Ghana, a team that’s competitive but not considered a serious threat in this group. That said, Tuchel has made it clear he wants consistency and chemistry building early. Having both Kane and Rice available for that second match gives him continuity in the spine of the team.
Next up is full training in Kansas City, then a flight to Boston. If there are no setbacks between now and Tuesday, England’s two biggest names will be out there as expected.
Leave a Comment