DECLAN RICE has returned to England training just 48 hours before their huge World Cup quarter-final against France.
The West Ham skipper, 23, did not train with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s squad on Wednesday due to illness.
That raised alarm bells for Three Lions supporters as they looked ahead to their mammoth game with France this weekend.
But Kalvin Phillips, who would be one of the first players in line to replace Rice should he be unavailable, was quick to reassure England fans.
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, he said: “I believe Dec is fit, he’s back in training and he’s fine.
“If something goes wrong, then I’ll be there and I’ll do my best to be fit for 90 minutes.
“I want to play as many minutes as possible.”
Rice has started all four of England’s games in Qatar, making the position at the base of Southgate’s midfield his own.
Since making his international debut in 2019, he has racked up 38 caps for his country.
For the opening two matches of the World Cup against Iran and USA, Rice played as the holder in a three that also consisted of Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount.
But for the Wales match, Southgate switched Mount out for Henderson.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
And England looked superbly balance in the middle of the park, sticking with that trio for the convincing win over Senegal.
More to follow.
