Tuchel on Rice: I'm proud to be his coach

Declan Rice came into the England camp with “bundles of confidence”, the midfielder admitted, having played a major role in ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a Premier League trophy.

The 27-year-old, who was made England vice-captain ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, will be hoping to earn his 75th England cap when the Three Lions play Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June (9pm BST).

England boss Thomas Tuchel lauded Rice as “one of the very best” in his position when he spoke to the media ahead of England’s second group match.

“I’m proud to be his coach,” Tuchel told reporters.

“He is one of the very best midfielders in the world. He’s humble, ready to be a team player, ready to give quality and energy to the group. He learns every day in his career.”

After a long season where he has played 63 times for Arsenal and England, Rice was substituted in the 72nd minute against Croatia after providing the assist for Harry Kane’s second goal.

Tuchel admitted that he was initially concerned over Rice’s fitness, but revealed that he is back in full training with the group.

There was also a question mark over Rice’s Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka’s fitness heading into the tournament. After starting on the bench against Croatia, the winger came on in the late stages to set up Marcus Rashford for England’s fourth goal.

"It's another big thing on the right wing between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka, and the beautiful thing is they do it for Arsenal as well,” Tuchel said on his selection for the right forward spot.

“Bukayo is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go - without telling you if he starts or comes from the bench.”

England can qualify for the knockout stages with a win over their African opponents, and Tuchel gave a fitness update on the rest of the squad.

“Everyone is available, everyone is in training. We had a big influence from the substitutes [against Croatia], which we really, really appreciated and it just proves how everyone buys into the idea.

“Even players who are regular starters and big players for their clubs. They came in and no matter like Marc [Guéhi] in defence, Marcus [Rashford] in offence or Bukayo Saka as a winger; everyone bought in and gave everything to decide the match, which they actually did.

“They had a huge influence and we need exactly that.”