Rice withdraws from England squad

Declan Rice has withdrawn from the latest England squad, with football.london reporting that his workload is being managed.

After a 55-game season with Arsenal, Rice played in seven of England’s eight World Cup matches despite nerve pain in his hamstring. He then had three weeks off, missing much of the Gunners’ pre-season preparations, but has started all five league games and the Champions League trip to Napoli since his return.

Earlier this month, the midfielder said he was feeling “refreshed, really ready, and ready to go again”. He was some way off his best, though, as Arsenal lost to Brighton at the weekend. Hopefully this is simply a sensible chance to manage his minutes, rather than a sign of anything more concerning.

Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly remain with England ahead of Nations League fixtures against Spain, Croatia and Czechia, whom they face twice.

Back at London Colney, Rice will join Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier, William Saliba, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié and Noni Madueke. Marli Salmon, who had been called up by England’s under-18s, will also stay put due to injury.

Details of all the matches facing our Interlull contingent can be found here.

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