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Declan Rice has asserted his robust readiness for England’s World Cup challenge, dismissing recent concerns over his fitness.
The Arsenal midfielder, who revealed earlier this week he has been managing a hamstring injury since the turn of the year, experienced discomfort during the opening match against Croatia, leading to his substitution in the 70th minute.
This admission prompted former England right-back Gary Neville to express worry, describing Rice, usually seen as “unbreakable”, as a cause for concern.
However, Rice, a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign and Champions League runners-up season, where he played 63 times, insists he is built for the demands of a long tournament.
Rice is used to playing in big games after winning the Premier League with Arsenal (AP)
Ahead of Tuesday’s crucial group stage encounter with Ghana, the 27-year-old stated: “I’ve been lucky enough to play in Europe for the last six years, my last three years at West Ham, my first three with Arsenal, so my body’s been conditioned and built for these moments for playing long seasons.”
He added that the current season has been more taxing mentally than physically, but he is now in a good place.
“I think at this moment in time, (I’m) in a mentally very good space, physically I feel really good as well. So I want to keep taking this into the end of the end of tournament.”
Rice believes his recent success at club level provides a significant boost for his international performance.
“I think I come into this tournament with bundles of confidence,” he affirmed. Reflecting on Arsenal’s journey, which saw them finish second in his first two seasons before clinching the title, he drew a parallel to life lessons.
“And I remember saying at the PFA Awards last year, even in life, you need to go through small losses in order to win big, and I felt at Arsenal that was coming.”
Having finally “got over the line” with Arsenal, Rice feels a renewed vigour.
“I feel like I come into England with a spring in my step. Just a real confidence, and for sure I can bring that into this tournament and, as the games go on and we keep playing against good opposition, I feel like you are going to keep seeing the best of me.”
His determination suggests he is prepared to lead England’s midfield throughout the competition.