Declan Rice spoke of his frustration following England’s 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday evening [Eduardo Carmim/SPP]

DECLAN Rice has urged his England teammates to “stay positive and keep going” ahead of this Saturday’s final World Cup group game against Panama.

The Three Lions will be looking to roar to a response following the underwhelming 0-0 draw against Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.

It could have been a lot worse for Thomas Tuchel’s side, with the Black Stars denied what appeared to be a blatant penalty late on when Ezri Konsa brought down Prince Kwabena Adu in the box.

England, however, got away with one and remain top of Group L, but must now wait until their final game against Panama to ensure qualification for the knockout phase.

Cutting a somewhat dejected figure when he spoke to the media after the game, Rice said: “It’s always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball, as deep as they were. In the last 10 minutes, we found more [space] than we did all game; we were probably unlucky not to score.

“We stay positive and keep going. We still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round.

“You have to give credit to Ghana. 5-4-1 off the ball, they were very compact; tight spaces to play through. Of course, on the other hand, we can do a bit more with the ball and create a bit more. But it’s tough, they are good players.

“It was never going to be an easy game and now we have one more in the group to finish top, so we need to be positive.”

That match against Panama will be played in New Jersey at 10pm BST. Whether Rice will be on the team-sheet, though, remains to be seen.

The midfielder raised concerns after being seen limping with a bandaged left calf following England’s goalless draw against Ghana.

Arsenal fans will be fearing what condition Rice will be in for their Premier League opener at home to Coventry City on Friday, August 21, with the 27-year-old also battling lower back and hamstring issues.

With his sights firmly set on his country, Rice added: “There’s no need to be negative or downbeat. We need to be positive and recover for the next match, and that’s what we’ll do.”

Meanwhile, Gooners will be hoping that Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are all talking about how great life is at Arsenal in earshot of England teammate Morgan Rogers. Rogers is believed to be the Gunners’ top transfer target this summer, and while Aston Villa have reportedly slapped a “not for sale” sign on the attacking midfielder, a bid north of £100m might just test their resolve to keep him.