Declan Rice explains why his mum was 'killing' him over England photo shoot before 2026 World Cup - 'When the sunburn went!'

React to this story

Adjusting to the weather in North America has been a big talking point ahead of the 2026 World Cup and no one knows that more than England's Declan Rice.

'We're not the top favourites' - Tuchel issues England caution ahead of World Cup

Video credit: SNTV

Pictures from the 27-year-old's pre-tournament photo shoot showed how difficult it has been acclimatising to the US weather, as he appeared to have caught the sun during his first few days with the England squad.

Those photos were circulated on social media and Rice admitted that even his own family has been giving him grief about his struggles in the weather.

"I think everyone's seen them photos. Honestly, I was bright red on that photo shoot," Rice told the BBC. "My mum was killing me."

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

Yesterday at 16:49

Rice was one of the latest arrivals to England's training camp in Florida following his involvement in Arsenal's UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris-Saint Germain in Budapest.

While many of his England colleagues had already been in the US to begin their preparations ahead of the World Cup, Rice - as well as Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke - were a few days behind.

And it appeared to show in the photos, with Rice appearing to be dealing with some sunburn in his photo shoot.

'It's not easy' - Infantino addresses Iran, ticket prices and blocked referee

Video credit: SNTV

When asked how he knew at what point his adjustment period to the Florida weather was over, Rice replied with a laugh: "When the sunburn went!"

The midfielder added: "Honestly, the first day was tough. Just getting used to that heat coming from England where it's hot, cold, all different types of weather.

"You come here, regardless of whether it's hot or cold, it's 30 degrees and it really does hit you in the face when you're running."

Judging from the photos, Rice is not the only England player to have caught the sun since flying over to North America.

Jordan Pickford and Elliot Anderson both look to have spent some time in the sunshine.

England have played two warm-up games in Florida ahead of this summer's World Cup - which is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico - beating both New Zealand and Costa Rica.

No Filter UCL Final: Heartbreak for Arsenal as PSG become back to back Champions League winners

Video credit: TNT Sports

After scoring the only goal in the win over New Zealand in sweltering 33-degree heat, Harry Kane called the heat "hard."

"It's a good win as it's not easy. The heat is hard, the pitch wasn't great," the 32-year-old said.

"To be honest, it was really hard to play the way that we wanted to play. But this is why we are here, to adapt to it.

"In the end, we probably could've scored a couple more, but we know we are here more for preparation than the result."

To help players deal with the temperatures, FIFA has implemented drinks breaks midway through each half in every game to allow players to take fluids on board.

England are drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

The Three Lions’ opener on Wednesday, June 17. It will likely be their toughest Group L fixture as they meet Croatia, 11th in the FIFA rankings, in Dallas (20:00).

England then face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, June 23 (21:00), before finishing against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday, June 27 (22:00).

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

World Cup

'My time has passed' - Neymar says Brazil career is over

29/07/2026 at 20:47