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England star Declan Rice lands himself in hot water before World Cup even begins
Jun 11 2026 08:17 · By John Cross/Chief Football Writer · 25 Reads
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Declan Rice has got himself in trouble with his mum - after being sun burnt for his World Cup photoshoot. Rice admits he found it difficult to adjust to the sunshine and weather after turning up in Florida for England ’s pre-tournament training base.
England’s players all had their photos done for the official World Cup pictures - and Rice admits he was “bright red” after catching the Florida sun.
When asked how he knew he had done too much in the heat this week, Rice laughed: “When the sun burn comes! I think everyone has seen those photos, I was bright red in that photo shoot. My mum was killing me!
“Honestly, the first day we came, it was just getting used to that heat. Coming from England where it’s hot-cold, all different types of weather, coming here and it’s always 30 degrees - it really does hit you in the face.
“After that week off, the first session was as bit cobweb-y but the next two days after that felt really good and tonight, playing 60, was all I was ever going to play but I was in a really good space, I could probably have played longer so I’m really happy.”
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Arsenal midfielder Rice was given an extra week off after playing in the Champions League final but admits he could not wait to get back to England training.
Rice starred and scored in England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica and says England are in good shape a week ahead of their first Group match with Croatia .
Rice said: “It was lovely to have a week off, a complete re-set but I was getting itchy feet after four or five days though, to be back with the boys.
“It’s been really good, everything I expected after a long season with Arsenal, starting in July up until about two weeks ago, it’s been nice to come in and have a change of environment and get back into this England shirt. So it’s been really good. A good first few days adapting to everything and I’m looking forward to everything that’s going to come.
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“I think it’s been more mentally tough than physically. Even though I have played so many games, the emotions you go through on a football pitch is ridiculous. Trying to win the Premier League and obviously winning it, and then to lose the final.
“You’re up and down constantly, trying to adapt. And then full focus turns to the WC. It’s hard to think about the World Cup in season because you have so many big games but when you actually get here it’s when it starts to hit you.
“So I’m happy I didn’t think about it too much ahead and obviously now I have come here with a fresh mind, ready to go.
“I feel good as gold. Feel really fit, feel really strong. Had a couple of niggles throughout the season which I managed really well with the physios and the manager so I’ve come here in a really good place. I feel really confident.
“I think winning that Premier League for me, I have come here with a sense of confidence and a spring in my step. Now I have got over that line with Arsenal it has given me that confidence that we can come here and achieve big things as well. I’m really in a good place at the moment.”