West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice missed England’s training session ahead of their World Cup quarter-final tie against current champions France, according to The Evening Standard.
Rice missed the training session through illness, and his place in the game on Saturday is in doubt.
The defensive midfielder has been a crucial part of England’s World Cup run, but the Three Lions are sweating over his availability to face Les Bleus.
He has formed a brilliant midfield partnership with Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson. The 23-year-old has flourished as the deepest of the midfielders in Qatar.
Rice excels at breaking up opposition play with tackles and interceptions. He can read the game well. It helps him to put out fires before they even start.
He is also superb at carrying the ball forward, but with England, his midfield partners shoulder that burden. His passing is good, and he has excellent range, but they should be more progressive.
England will be hoping that Rice can recover. There is a chance he can play the game if he participates in the remaining sessions before the game.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a like-for-like replacement in the squad. The former Leeds United midfielder is fit and firing after a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Henderson can also deputise for Rice at the base of midfield if needed.
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson also missed the session with a minor injury.
England will face their sternest test at the World Cup to date. They face the 2018 World Cup and UEFA Nations League champions.
France’s front trio of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele are in the form of their lives. Antoine Griezmann is shining in his new midfield role, while Aurelien Tchouameni continues showing he belongs on the top stage.
England are no slouches. They boast world-class stars in most positions, and the contest promises to be thrilling, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals up for grabs.
