ライス選手、「精神的に厳しい」シーズンを経て「良い状態」に

Declan Rice has said that last season's title win with Arsenal was "mentally tough", but he is in a "very good space" before England's World Cup match against Ghana.

Rice has made 63 appearances for Arsenal and England this season, and was withdrawn as a precaution in England's 4-2 win over Croatia last week.

The midfielder revealed to ITV Sport that he has been playing with "neural pain" in his hamstring since the turn of the year, but insists he is well-equipped to deal with the number of games he has had to play.

And Rice is set to win earn his 75th cap for the Three Lions in the match against Ghana on Tuesday.

"I have been lucky enough to play in Europe for the last six years," said the 27-year-old.

"My last three years with West Ham, my first three with Arsenal.

"My body has been conditioned and built for this moment for playing long seasons. I would probably say this season has been more mentally tough than physically.

"The emotions of a football player is crazy. The feelings and emotions you go through in a season are up and down, you need to find that balance.

"This moment in time I am mentally in a very good space, and physically I feel really good as well. I want to keep taking this into the end of the tournament."