Arsenal midfielder's latest international pullout continues a pattern of managed absences tied to ongoing fitness concerns
Declan Rice has pulled out of the England squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches.
Back in November 2024, he withdrew from the Nations League squad that was set to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland. A foot injury was cited on that occasion, and he wasn’t alone: seven other players also pulled out of that camp.
Then in March 2026, Rice and Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka both withdrew from England’s pre-friendly camp ahead of a match against Japan. That withdrawal was attributed to discomfort following a Carabao Cup match.
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Rice has dealt with a longstanding neural issue, described as sciatica-related, that affects his hamstring and lower back. The problem was visible during the 2026 World Cup, where Rice was frequently substituted early in matches. England’s staff opted to rest him strategically, pulling him before the discomfort could escalate into something more serious.
For Thomas Tuchel, losing Rice is a significant challenge. Tuchel has consistently emphasized the importance of medical supervision and player wellness when addressing these withdrawals, framing them as standard operational practices rather than sources of concern.
