The player is ill, said the team’s entourage, without specifying the nature or severity of his symptoms. Substitute striker Callum Wilson continues to treat a “mild muscle fatigue” by following an adapted program. Rice, 23, is a key element of the English midfield where he mainly acts as a recovery but also often gives the first offensive impulse with his very precise passing game. Associated with Jordan Henderson and the nugget Jude Bellingham, the West Ham player played a big role in the victories of the English against Wales (3-0), in the last pool match, and against Senegal (on the same score) in the round of 16. His absence would be all the more detrimental for the Three Lions as their coach, Gareth Southgate, does not really have a substitute with a comparable profile: Mason Mount or Kalvin Phillips are more attacking players and Conor Gallagher, with four selections, appears too inexperienced.
The team are already without defender Ben White, who returned to England a week ago due to a family problem and has withdrawn from the rest of the competition, and Raheem Sterling. The Chelsea striker also returned after a burglary at his residence in south London. Contrary to the first information that had circulated in the British press, his family was not present at the time of the burglary, but the player wanted to ensure their safety in his absence. He has not yet decided whether he will return to Qatar for the rest of the competition. England therefore have only 22 suitable players left at the moment.