Ibrahimovic raises concerns over struggling Declan Rice in England win
Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has expressed concern over the physical condition of Declan Rice following England’s hard-fought 2-1 World Cup victory against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side survived an early scare at the Atlanta Stadium to book their place in the last 16 of the tournament.
Two second-half goals from captain Harry Kane overturned a shock seventh-minute opener from Brian Cipenga.
However, the overall physical display of the Three Lions drew sharp criticism from the watching Ibrahimovic.
Midfield engine shows signs of fatigue
The Arsenal midfielder played almost the entirety of the match before being replaced by John Stones in stoppage time.
During the closing stages, the 27-year-old was forced to fill in at right-back after Djed Spence was substituted.
His trademark energy appeared visibly lacking to onlookers throughout the latter periods of the game.
“We can discuss about details and that, but today I saw England suffering physically,”
Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports.
“I didn’t see them run like before, especially Declan Rice. His quality is to run, but it is like he was struggling.”
High altitude test looms for Tuchel
Those fitness fears were compounded when the former West Ham captain was spotted icing his left hamstring after the final whistle.
Such injury worries leave the national team in a precarious position ahead of a demanding knockout clash on Sunday night.
The squad must now travel to face joint-hosts Mexico in the punishing high altitude of the famous Azteca Stadium.
With a spot in the quarter-finals at stake, the ex-Barcelona forward also questioned the intense pressure constantly placed upon the 1966 winners.
“The fans are always very demanding, expecting a lot, especially the English media… but maybe they think highly about themselves and the reality is something else.”
The retired AC Milan superstar concluded by challenging Tuchel to achieve what he described as “mission impossible” and win the trophy.