Declan Rice has said he is “good as gold” after being substituted late on in England’s win over DR Congo.
Rice returned to the England starting XI for the World Cup 2026 round of 32 showdown in Atlanta after being rested for the final Group L clash against Panama last weekend.
It turned out to be an eventful game for the Three Lions’ vice-captain as he was moved out of his natural midfield role and to right-back in the 70th minute as Thomas Tuchel rolled the dice in search of an equaliser.
While the gamble paid off with Harry Kane scoring twice to complete the comeback, Rice did not finish the game, thus handing the England head coach a major injury scare ahead of the last-16 clash against Mexico.
The Arsenal midfielder was visibly struggling with a knock in stoppage-time and had to be replaced by John Stones.
Delivering a fitness update after the game, Rice said: "I'm fine. Good as gold. Good.
"It's what happens when you play in 30 degree heat I suppose. Tough game. Give it everything and bodies been through a lot in that match.
“Time to recover and go again."
“It was probably the hardest 12 minutes of the game having a stint at right back,” Rice added. “In games like that it was probably too much of a basketball match at times, back and forth, and we had to take the sting out of it because they have fast wingers.
“I think we made more hard work of it than we needed to.
"I have played there two or three times this season, I know the role, it is probably not my biggest strength but to do anything for the team and the manager.
“12 minutes left I said I would do my best and I think I did well there. Let's see what happens next game but hopefully I don't have to be at right back."
