Lauren Fryer, girlfriend of England footballer Declan Rice, was observed in the stands at Boston's Foxborough stadium during England's match against Ghana, accompanied by the couple's new baby. The presence of Fryer and the infant came as a surprise, as the couple had kept the pregnancy and birth private. Representatives for Rice and Fryer declined to comment, but sources close to the couple confirmed they are now parents of two, with a three-year-old son named Jude.
Fryer's attendance at the match, and the couple's decision to maintain secrecy around their second child, stems from the severe online abuse Fryer has endured over the past two years. According to an England insider, Fryer has been the target of "horrid and disgusting slurs" from social media trolls and rival football fans concerning her appearance. This abuse has left her "scarred" and initially made her reluctant to attend the game, with a period where she preferred to watch from home to avoid judgment.
The torment began in December 2023 when an anonymous account criticized Rice, stating he "could do better" than Fryer. The criticism focused on her not conforming to a stereotypical WAG image, instead presenting as her "natural self." The abuse escalated to include misogynistic chants directed at Rice during matches. In response to the relentless harassment, Fryer deleted her social media accounts on Instagram and X, removing all shared photos of her life and travels with Rice.
Sources within the England camp indicate that Fryer remains wary and hoped to attend the US matches without drawing attention. Friends describe her as one of the "loveliest people you could meet" and an "anti-WAG" who does not seek fame, making the abuse she receives particularly unwarranted. Despite the challenges, she is a supportive partner, and Rice is reportedly devastated by the cruelty she faces.
Rice's team, including his publicist and the Arsenal press office, are highly protective of Fryer. Sources close to the couple state Rice is furious that his fame subjects her to such treatment. They are described as a devoted couple who wish to live their lives privately.
Fryer was previously seen in public at Selhurst Park in May, celebrating Arsenal's Premier League title win. She joined Rice and their son Jude on the pitch, marking her first public appearance since the Euros in Germany in 2024. Friends of other WAGs have expressed solidarity, calling the abuse Fryer has faced "not fair" and noting that she is well-liked within the wider group.