Declan Rice has recently stated that he is fully recovered and prepared to maintain a high level of performance for Arsenal following a challenging summer with the England national team during the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder has played a total of 69 matches across all competitions, including a semi-final run with England and a Champions League final appearance with Arsenal.

Despite showing signs of fatigue during his time with the national team, Rice does not view the heavy workload as a significant issue. After taking necessary time off, he is confident in his ability to sustain high intensity throughout the new season. "I think in the last six seasons, since I started playing in Europe with West Ham, I've played over 60 games each season. So I believe I can maintain this intensity, as I have proven that I can do it," Rice shared.

For Rice, the focus is not merely on the number of matches played but on maintaining form and consistency week by week. "The most important thing is to keep my performance, level, and stability. For me, it’s about being able to play every week, showcasing my best abilities, and helping the team win. I’ve been fortunate to achieve that, and I really want to continue doing so this season," he added.

Rice also expressed relief that the physical issues that affected him during the World Cup have been resolved. He noted that he faced hamstring problems while playing in the United States. "It was indeed very challenging," Rice recalled. "Everyone knows I had hamstring issues. After a demanding Premier League season and then playing in the Champions League, competing in the World Cup in such hot conditions really took a toll on my fitness. I always want to step onto the pitch in the best shape and give 100% for England."

He admitted that his condition was not always stable during the tournament, with some matches feeling good while others did not meet his physical demands. "There were matches where I felt really good, like the one against the Democratic Republic of Congo. So that’s one of the things I have to manage. And as I said, over the summer, I took complete rest," Rice added.

After the World Cup, the break allowed Rice to recover before returning to Arsenal. In the opening match of this season’s Champions League, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Napoli, scoring the winning goal. For Rice, this is a sign that he is ready to continue playing an important role in Arsenal's plans, despite the increasingly busy schedule ahead.