Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes England showed signs of physical struggle during their narrow 2-1 World Cup victory against DR Congo, and specifically noted that midfielder Declan Rice appeared to be impacted.
England secured their progression in the tournament thanks to two late goals from captain Harry Kane, overturning an early deficit. However, Ibrahimovic, a veteran of two World Cups with Sweden, commented on a perceived lack of energy from the English side.
"We can discuss about details and that, but today I saw England suffering physically," Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports after the match. "I didn't see them run like before, especially Declan Rice. His quality is to run but it is like he was struggling. Not only him, also the other ones."
Rice had returned to the starting lineup for the match against DR Congo after missing the final group stage game as a precaution due to hamstring concerns. The midfielder was later seen with an ice pack on his hamstring after being substituted, fueling speculation about the severity of the issue.
Despite the concerns, Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of winning, stating, "It is not how you win, it is important to win. Especially this England, they have a lot of pressure to win. Why, I don't know. But they won and we are happy they went through in the tournament. Super happy for the tournament because we need England in this tournament."
Rice had previously stated he was fit and ready, managing what he described as "neural pain" in his hamstring that he had dealt with for a long time. He was substituted for John Stones in the late stages of the game.
