Rice admits 'average' World Cup before Spain test

Declan Rice has admitted he endured an "average" World Cup at the end of a gruelling season and needed time away from England duty to return stronger. The Arsenal midfielder is now expected to be central to Thomas Tuchel's plans for Sunday's Nations League showdown with world champions Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The story

Rice was absent during the September and October international windows, a break he believes has served its purpose after a demanding campaign. Since returning to club action he has produced starring performances against Bayern Munich and Liverpool, form that suggests he is close to his best level again.

The midfielder was candid in his assessment of his own tournament, describing his World Cup as "average" and acknowledging that the physical and mental toll of a long season had caught up with him. Rather than push through, he used the time out to recover and rebuild, and he now feels ready to deliver for his country.

His return comes at a significant moment. England face the world champions in a competitive fixture that will be scrutinised closely, with BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty framing the match as a test of whether Tuchel and his squad have learned the lessons of a disappointing summer.

Why it matters

Tuchel's tenure has been defined by the need to turn England's tournament promise into tangible progress, and Spain represent the most demanding benchmark available. The world champions will test England's structure, pressing and composure in possession, exactly the areas that came under scrutiny during the World Cup.

Rice's role is likely to be pivotal. His ability to cover ground, break up play and drive forward gives England a platform against Spain's midfield, and his recent club form suggests he can handle that responsibility. James Trafford has been selected to start in goal, adding a further subplot to a fixture that will shape the narrative around Tuchel's England.

What's next

England's immediate focus is the Nations League meeting with Spain at the Metropolitano, a fixture that could set the tone for the months ahead. How Tuchel's side cope with the world champions, and how quickly Rice reasserts himself on the international stage, will be watched closely by supporters and pundits alike.

FAQ

What did Declan Rice say about his World Cup?

Rice accepted that he had an "average" World Cup at the end of a gruelling season, and said he needed a break during the September and October international windows in order to come back stronger.

Who starts in goal for England against Spain?

James Trafford has been selected to start in goal for England in Sunday's Nations League match against Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium.