Declan Rice has said England should not be intimidated by any team as they aim to end their 60-year wait for World Cup success, insisting they have already set a “benchmark” with a strong opening win over Croatia.
Although they showed some defensive weaknesses, England secured a 4-2 victory in Dallas against a Croatia side that reached the semi-finals and final of the last two World Cups.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham both scored as the Three Lions made a strong start to their campaign, while Marcus Rashford’s impact off the bench highlighted the depth in the squad.
“We know as players the level, we know what’s required, and that second-half performance was probably the benchmark for us in terms of having to start the game at that level,” Rice told a press conference ahead of England’s second World Cup match against Ghana on Tuesday.
“We believe that if we can do that from the opening minute, with the players that we also have to come on and finish the game, we can beat any opponent in the world.
“We want to be confident in our abilities and what we can do on the pitch.”
Rice’s display was one of the few concerns for Thomas Tuchel despite England’s impressive start.
The Arsenal midfielder, who played a key role in securing Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years, was substituted in the second half in what was his 63rd match of a demanding season for club and country.
However, Rice dismissed suggestions that fatigue is affecting his performances at the tournament.
“My body has been conditioned and built for these moments, for playing long seasons. I’d probably say this season has probably been more mentally tougher than physically, just because the emotions of a football player is crazy,” he added.
“I think at this moment in time, I’m in a mentally very good space, and physically I feel really good as well. So I want to keep taking this into the end of the tournament.”
Bukayo Saka did not start against Croatia as he continues to recover from an Achilles issue, but England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the winger is ready for the clash against Ghana.
“Bukayo is getting better and better, he’s more and more free in his movements, he feels no more pain,” Tuchel said.
“He was able to do both our training sessions the last two days on highest level, so he’s ready to go, without telling you if he will start or come from the bench.”
Despite not winning a major trophy since 1966, England have come close in recent tournaments under Gareth Southgate, including reaching two Euro finals, a World Cup semi-final and a quarter-final.
Tuchel said his squad is capable of handling the pressure and expectations surrounding the team.
“There are emotions involved and you can at some point feel the tension and feel the pressure. I hope we can cope with it, accept it and turn it around,” he said.
“I feel of course the excitement and the pressure, but I feel that we have so many winners and so many players who are experienced to cope with the pressure.”
A win over Ghana would guarantee England a place in the last 32.