England midfielder Declan Rice sparks injury fears in World Cup clash
England midfielder Declan Rice has sparked major fitness concerns after being substituted at half-time during his nation’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami.
The Arsenal star had been battling a virus ahead of the crucial knockout tie and is also managing an ongoing hamstring problem.
Pundits and former professionals were quick to note the 27-year-old’s lethargic body language during a difficult first half.
Pundits question midfielder’s physical condition
Former international defender Lee Dixon highlighted that the usually energetic talisman looked heavily depleted when taking set-pieces.
“It’s not like Declan Rice, it took him an age to get out there to take that corner, he looks energy-depleted.”
Former England striker Ian Wright echoed those sentiments regarding the midfield anchor’s performance.
“He has been struggling in the first-half, you could tell with his set-pieces, he didn’t look right.”
Bellingham rescues trailing Three Lions
Manager Thomas Tuchel ultimately withdrew the fatigued player at the interval, introducing Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze in his place.
The fitness blow compounded a frustrating opening period for the tournament hopefuls after they fell behind to an Andreas Schjelderup effort.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was caught off guard by a cross-cum-shot, leaving his side facing an uphill battle.
The Scandinavian underdogs then squandered a glorious opportunity to double their advantage when Alexander Sorloth ignored an unmarked Erling Haaland on the counter-attack.
Heavy workload takes its toll
That selfishness was swiftly punished when Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham powered home a crucial equaliser following neat interplay with Anthony Gordon.
This latest physical setback follows a demanding domestic campaign where the robust holding player helped secure a first Premier League title in two decades for his club.
He had previously been rested for the final group stage victory over Panama in an attempt to manage his significant playing load.
Coaching staff will now anxiously await medical updates as they look to keep their star man available for the remainder of the tournament.