Latest on Declan Rice after England training absence

Arsenal’s Declan Rice didn’t train with England on Thursday, but reports suggest there’s no injury for the player, and he should be available against Slovakia on Sunday.

Matt Law reports for The Telegraph that Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier did not train with the England group on Thursday, instead carrying out individual work inside.

In Trippier’s case, the defender has been managing a slight calf issue, raising fears that Rice might also have an injury problem.

But Law reports that Rice is believed to have simply been given a rest day. The expectation is that he’ll be fit to start against Slovakia on Sunday.

Despite England’s struggles in the group stage, they’ve been handed a favourable run to the final in this year’s tournament.

Just two goals and one win was enough to earn England top spot in Group C, and they’ll face third-place Group E side Slovakia on Sunday, June 30th at 17:00 BST.

Should they win, England will play Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals, then Romania, the Netherlands, Austria, or Turkey in the semi-finals.

Some of the competition’s top teams, including Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium, are on the other side of the draw. As a result, England can only meet them in the final.

Rice and Bukayo Saka have started every game for Gareth Southgate’s England side so far, and it’s likely they’ll keep their places for the knockouts if they can remain fit.