Declan Rice speaks out about a busy match schedule in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup

Arsenal and England national team midfielder Declan Rice has spoken out about the intense fixture schedule facing top footballers this season. In an interview with The Telegraph, Rice calls the number of matches played extremely high. "It's an absurd amount of games. The schedule was absolutely insane, but what can we do about it? We can't keep complaining," Rice said.

Yet the international emphasizes that sacrificing rest and fitness is part of it if you want to achieve great results. "We just have to keep working for moments like winning the Premier League. You know you are willing to give everything and play as much as possible to relive that feeling, especially now that the World Cup is approaching. You are willing to give everything for the team."


Rice recognizes that the physical strain is considerable, but is still looking forward to the rest that follows the season. "Yes, there are many competitions, but in the end we can all rest later."

England will play Ghana in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup in Boston on June 23, a key clash that will have the eyes of international football fans on it.