England have suffered a major injury blow after Declan Rice was forced to be withdrawn at half-time for Eberechi Eze while Bukayo Saka was also brought on at the break
England appear to have suffered a major injury blow after Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway.
The Arsenal midfielder has been struggling with a knock all tournament with Thomas Tuchel monitoring his fitness and minutes throughout their time in North America so far. Rice was also reportedly ill during the week.
It's currently unknown the exact reason why Rice was withdrawn with the World Cup quarter-final in the balance at 1-1, but he did emerge from the tunnel and join his team-mates on the bench.
Build-up to this clash from both camps has been dominated by reports of sickness, with Rice reportedly one of those players to have suffered.
Knowing the quality he possesses, Rice looked well off his best level during the first half and the Miami heat could have taken its toll as Tuchel moved to replace him with Arsenal team-mate Eberechi Eze, seeing Jude Bellingham drop into a deeper role.
Bukayo Saka was also introduced at the break for Noni Madueke after starting on the bench.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Alan Shearer said: "Rice didn't look right at all. He struggled to get the balls into the box and lacked that energy to get up and down the pitch.
"Madueke didn't offer enough when he had the ball, he wasn't positive enough, hopefully Saka can change that."
Meanwhile, Paul Robinson added: "That's more tactical with Saka coming on it would've been in the plans. But Eze for Rice adds some creativity in the number 10 role. It's a more attacking England."
But that attacking change almost backfired when Norway had the ball in the net for a second time just 10 minutes into the second-half.
However, the goal was disallowed for a push on Elliot Anderson by Erling Haaland, with the corner retaken under the new laws because the ball had not entered play.