England suffered a setback to Ghana in the second group stage of the World Cup, and Thomas Tuchel could face injuries to both of his Boston starters.
Declan Rice struggled late in England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana (Image: Shutterstock)
England’s medical staff will monitor the health of Declan Rice and Jed Spence, who sustained injuries against Ghana.
Rice left Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts with a large strap in his left calf after taking a heavy hit near the corner flag in the second half. Although he was hit by the deck a few times in the final stages of the stalemate, he was able to finish the match.
Meanwhile, Spence, who ignored a pre-match handshake with Thomas Partey, appeared to have hit his ankle while blocking Marvin Senaya at the back post.
Anthony Gordon was pinned under the ball, but Spence evaded the danger by shaking his ankle on the grass.
The versatile full-back was seen limping significantly after the substitute whistle blew in the 66th minute.
Both players will undergo tests at England’s Kansas City training base ahead of Saturday’s Group L final match against Panama.
Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw was a somber conclusion to England’s impressive 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening World Cup match. But Rice insisted to BBC Sport there was no need to overreact given England’s chances of finishing top of their group with a good result against Panama.
Jed Spence also limps and will be monitored by England.
“It’s always difficult to play against 11 people who are so far behind the ball, but we have to find a solution. We were unlucky not to score in the last 10 minutes,” said the Arsenal midfielder.
“We are positive overall because we still have a big chance to top the group against Panama. They were very compact and had tight spaces to play off the ball in a 5-4-1, but on the other hand we can do more with the ball.”
“I have to give credit to Ghana. It was a tough game and they are good players so it wasn’t an easy game at all. We have one game left to finish top of the group so we have to be positive.”
“There’s no need to get negative or get down because a lot of the top countries have drawn the first leg. We will stay positive.”
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