Declan Rice always follows strict routine before every match | Football | Sport

England are set to face Croatia in their first 2026 World Cup game this evening (June 17) at 9pm UK time.

It marks the opening fixture for the Three Lions – and there may well be some nerves given the history between these two nations. England famously fell to the Vatreni in the 2018 semi-final, dashing hopes of reaching a first final since 1966.

This time around, the stakes are even greater. England’s players are likely to lean heavily on their pre-match rituals in the hope of securing victory.

Declan Rice, 27, has previously disclosed he must wear a particular pair of trainers with his tracksuit before kick-off because he considers them good luck. Watch Insight TV accompanied the brief clip featuring Rice with the caption: “Footballers are a very superstitious bunch.

“From putting socks on in a certain order to wearing lucky underwear, sticking to winning habits is fully part of the routine for pros, and Declan Rice is no exception. Who knows, maybe these shoes are England’s lucky charm in the World Cup.”

Rice confessed that one pair of shoes holds special “history” for him, and he “always wears” the black pair shown in the video footage.

“In my mind, if I don’t wear them, I don’t think we’re gonna win,” he explained, acknowledging he was “proper superstitious” and that is why he “always wears them” with his tracksuit.

He also sticks to the same pre-match meal – four pancakes drizzled with syrup or honey, guidance provided by the nutritionist at his Premier League club, Arsenal. Rice revealed they’re simply ordinary pancakes, and he was astonished when he noticed other players adopting the same routine.

“Honestly, it’s been a game-changer. I don’t understand the science behind it, what’s in them or anything like that, but it gives me such a high energy boost,” he said.

Without question, high energy is precisely what the England squad requires if they are to triumph in this year’s competition.

England have been based in the United States for more than a fortnight, acclimatising and preparing for the World Cup.

A setback came on Tuesday when Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury, with Trevoh Chalobah summoned as his replacement.

Four positions in the starting XI remain up for grabs, with England manager Thomas Tuchel opting to keep his players guessing right up until the hours before kick-off.

Approximately 10,000 England supporters are anticipated to watch the match in Dallas, Texas, tonight. So come on, England – and let’s hope Declan Rice’s trainers can help us claim victory!