The risk of playing Declan Rice in World Cup group finale against Panama

Thomas Tuchel may opt to leave Declan Rice out of England’s final Group L match against Panama to avoid risking his absence for the round of 32.

Rice picked up a yellow card in Tuesday’s drab goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, which saw the Three Lions stay level with the African nation on four points at the top of the group.

It means England have business to do in their third group outing against Panama on Saturday 27 June but midfield mainstay Rice could be dropped to avoid the risk of suspension.

Players who pick up two yellow cards across the group stage will be suspended for one match, meaning if Rice were to be booked against Panama, he would miss England’s first knockout match.

Declan Rice picked up a yellow card against Ghana (Getty)

Tuchel does have midfield alternatives at his disposal, with Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo in the squad alongside veteran Jordan Henderson - neither have yet made an appearance this World Cup.

Rice, meanwhile, reflected positively following the result against Ghana, highlighting that England are still in a good position to top the group heading into the final game.

“It’s always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball and as deep as they were. You have to find solutions and the last 10 minutes we probably found more than we did the whole game,” Rice said on BBC One.

“We were probably a bit unlucky not to score, but, look, we stay positive. We keep going and still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round.

“You have to give credit to Ghana – 5-4-1, off the ball very, very compact, tight space to play through, but of course on the other hand, maybe we can do more with the ball and create a bit more.

“Look, it’s tough. They are good players, it was never going to be an easy game and now we have one more in the group to finish top, so we need to be positive.

“Loads of top nations drew their first game. No need to be negative or downbeat. We need to stay positive, keep going and recover for the next match. That’s what we will do.”