Declan Rice is set to be available for England's final World Cup group game against Panama after overcoming injury concerns. The midfielder suffered a dead leg in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
What happened?
Rice has been managing a hamstring problem that has hampered him for the last six months. He was spotted limping out of the stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, but there was 'never a fear' of him sustaining a serious injury.
Why it matters for Declan Rice
The 26-year-old has been forced to play through the pain barrier during his team's title charge and is now doing the same while playing at the World Cup for his country. He featured for the full 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston.
What comes next?
Thomas Tuchel will likely choose to field his strongest XI to guarantee England's progress as group winners. Rice would be a prime option to start, but Tuchel could still decide to rest him with Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in line to come into the side.
Rice has also been forced to wear compression socks to reduce the burden on his hamstrings. Tuchel praised the midfielder after winning his 75th cap for his country, saying he felt privileged to be his manager.
The importance of claiming top spot cannot be understated, with England currently set to face a team that finishes third in their group. A win over Panama would guarantee their status as group winners.
Marcus Rashford is also pushing to start over Anthony Gordon in New Jersey after making a difference off the bench in their two games so far. Rashford was restricted to just seven minutes off the bench against Ghana due to a tight hamstring complaint.
But he came through unscathed and now looks set to get more game time in the upcoming tie. Along with Rice, Reece James may be taken out of the side following the news that he had been managing a tight hamstring, too.
Djed Spence could retain his place in the side, albeit being used on the opposite side this time, having played at left-back against Ghana. The Chelsea star has a long history of hamstring problems, and Tuchel addressed the need to protect the right-back throughout the tournament.
England's failure to beat Ghana means that their progress as group winners is not guaranteed unless they beat Panama. Tuchel will be keen to avoid a difficult path in the knockout stages.
The midfielder's fitness will be a key factor in England's chances of success in the tournament. Rice has been one of the most important figures in the camp, and his availability will be a boost to the team.
Tuchel's decision on whether to start Rice will depend on the midfielder's fitness and the team's overall strategy. The England manager will be keen to get the best out of his players and secure a win against Panama.
The World Cup group-stage fixture against Panama is a crucial game for England, and Rice's availability will be a key factor in the team's chances of success. The midfielder's fitness and form will be closely watched in the lead-up to the game.