Declan Rice has been carrying an injury for England’s entire World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal midfielder has been troubled by a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, while he missed the Three Lions’ group-stage win over Panama with a calf knock.
Rice returned for the knockout wins over DR Congo and Mexico, but a separate problem has put his involvement in Saturday’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway in doubt.
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Declan Rice injury update ahead of England vs Norway
England vice-captain Rice managed 89 minutes against Congo and played the entirety of the epic last-16 win over Mexico, as Thomas Tuchel’s side held on for a 3-2 victory despite being a man down for almost 50 minutes following Jarell Quansah’s red card.
It set up a last-eight clash with Norway, captained by Rice’s Arsenal team-mate and fellow midfielder Martin Odegaard, but the 27-year-old faces a race to be fit.
According to BBC Sport, Rice missed training on Wednesday and Thursday with a sickness bug that has exacerbated his neural issue.
The report adds that England have taken steps to ensure the illness does not spread, with several members of Tuchel’s squad already sidelined or doubtful for the quarter-final.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson will miss the rest of the tournament after breaking his arm when he fell over an advertising hoarding during the post-match celebrations against Mexico, while Quansah is suspended following his dismissal at the Azteca.
If Rice cannot face Norway, it would likely leave Elliot Anderson and Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to feature at the World Cup, as England’s two midfielders in Tuchel’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
Jude Bellingham can also play in a deeper role; however, the Real Madrid star has been excellent as a No.10, scoring four times and providing one assist.
Rice is one of four England players who would be suspended for the semi-final if he is booked against Norway. Bellingham, centre-back Marc Guehi and left-back Nico O’Reilly are also at risk, with the quartet having each picked up one yellow card in the knockout stage.
The former West Ham United star is one of England’s most influential players and was appointed vice-captain by Tuchel before the tournament. He has made 77 appearances for his country, scoring seven goals.
Norway have also been affected by a sickness bug during the tournament, with Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missing their opening game against Iraq as a result of the illness.
