Declan Rice Sunburn Turns World Cup Heat Into A Teammate Test

Declan Rice sunburn became a talking point before England had kicked a ball, with the midfielder saying he was bright red at a World Cup photoshoot and got a telling off from his mum. He said he and his teammates were still getting used to the heat in the US as the tournament build-up sharpened around them.

Rice And Thomas Tuchel

Rice said the first day was difficult because of the conditions. “Honestly, the first day was tough, just getting used to that heat - when you come from England and it's hot, cold, all different types of weather,” he said.

He added: “Then you come here and, regardless of whether it's hot or cold, it's 30C and it really does hit you in the face when you're running.” Rice also said he knew he had started to acclimatise when “the sunburnt went”.

England's Heat Preparation

Players from all 48 nations travelled several days before the tournament began on Thursday to get used to the temperatures. England had already trained in heated tents in Spain and in sweltering conditions in Kansas before the tournament, and Thomas Tuchel said he expects his players to “suffer” in the conditions.

Temperatures in Arlington, Texas have hit 36C this week, and Fifa has introduced drinks breaks at the midway point in each half for every game. England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington on 17 June, with Rice’s pre-tournament photos putting the heat in full view before kickoff.

Photos, Tan Lines, And Pressure

Rice said: “I think everyone's seen them photos... I was bright red at that photoshoot, my mum was killing me.” Fans on social media also poked fun at his beetroot-red face and watch strap tan line, turning the picture into an early marker of how sharp the conditions already were.

That leaves England with a simple task before the Croatia match: keep adapting while the weather keeps pushing back. Rice’s sunburn has already done one thing for them — it has put the temperature at the center of their World Cup build-up, long before the opening game in Arlington.