← Back to News
Rice's Illness Before Norway Clash Raises Concerns for England

Rice's Illness Before Norway Clash Raises Concerns for England

12 July 2026

In a surprising revelation, England manager Thomas Tuchel disclosed that midfielder Declan Rice was bedridden for nearly three days leading up to the crucial World Cup quarter-final match against Norway. The illness, described as a sickness bug, left Rice in a precarious position, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the high-stakes encounter. Tuchel's comments underscore the challenges teams face during tournament play, where player fitness can pivot the outcome of matches. Despite the setback, Rice's determination to contribute to the team's success remained evident, as England managed to secure a vital victory against Norway.