Declan Rice reveals he has been struggling with 'behind the scenes' problem that led to England substitution

Declan Rice has revealed that he has been struggling with a persistent injury that led to his early substitution during England v Croatia.

In one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 World Cup so far, England got their campaign off to a perfect start with an exciting 4-2 win over Croatia the Dallas Stadium.

Two goals from Harry Kane as well as one each for Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secured the three points in England's opener, providing a major boost to their chances of topping Group L.

However, it wasn't all good news for England fans as key player Rice was suddenly taken off with 18 minutes to go in the match, raising questions about a potential injury.

England's opening World Cup fixture was Rice's 63rd match of the 2025/26 season following Arsenal's impressive season that saw them win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

But now, Rice has spoken out to reveal exactly what led to the early substitution, revealing that he has been struggling with a secret hamstring injury for more than six months.

“I think it was a smart decision (to be taken off). I was feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring, which I was managing from after Christmas with Arsenal for a very long time," Rice told ITV Sport.

"Obviously, not a lot of people would have known that. It was all behind the scenes stuff.

“But it was a smart decision, and in the end, that last twenty minutes is probably where you pick up the most, and it’s where you play a 70-minute match, but that last twenty is where you really feel your body going through it.

The substitution immediately raised concerns about Rice's fitness and availability ahead of England's second match against Ghana on Tuesday evening.

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However, the 27-year-old has eased those fears, reassuring that he is ready to go as England look to secure their spot in the World Cup knockout stage.

"I’m ready, I’m fit, raring to go," he added.

“I think it was a smart decision because the last few days I felt really, really good.”

Declan Rice provides Bukayo Saka fitness update ahead of England v Ghana

Another England star facing an injury that has raised questions about his participation at the World Cup is Rice's Arsenal teammate Saka.

Having been perhaps England's most important player at Euro 2024, news that Saka's longstanding Achilles problem would rule him out of the opener was a bitter pill to swallow for England fans.

Saka did not train with his national teammates on Saturday, but is instead working on his own programme and is expected to feature at some point in the tournament.

When asked if Saka will still have a big role at the World Cup, Rice said: “Hundred percent. It’s really good the way we’re managing him.

“The amount of football he’s played, I’ve seen him at Arsenal with this little Achilles problem he’s got. We’re managing him the right way for sure.”