Declan Rice has shared how he is ‘looking skinny’ as the West Ham United midfielder prepares for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he told the Lion’s Den on England’s official YouTube channel.
Only days remain before the host’s open football’s biggest tournament on Sunday against Ecuador, whilst England will kick off their campaign against Iran on Monday.
Rice is expected to start in Gareth Southgate’s midfield, after doing so in every game during England’s run to the final at Euro 2020.
With this being a winter World Cup, one of the big talking points has been the searing heat out in the Middle East, even during this time of year out in the Gulf state.
It has seen players training in their vests as they prepare for matches, as Rice was praised for showcasing a pretty strong figure when in prep mode for England, but he shared with England presenter Josh Denzel that it’s far from the case.
“Were you in the vest? (during training),” Josh Denzel asked Rice. I see your bicep were with bicepping.”
“I haven’t been gym,” laughed Rice. “Look, I am looking skinny at the moment.”
RICE AND BELLINGHAM IN ENGLAND’S MIDFIELD
At Euro 2020, it was Rice and then-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips stepping into uncharted territory and making names for themselves in English colours.
But whilst Rice will now look to transcend those performances onto a bigger stage, he is set to have a different partner in crime – the most sought-after teenager in world football, Jude Bellingham.
Not only has the Borussia Dortmund star pushed ahead of Phillips in terms of performances, but the recently-signed Manchester City man has hardly played this season in order to warrant a start against Iran.
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