Declan Rice is a major fitness concern for England ahead of their World Cup knockout clash with Mexico on Sunday, after the midfielder finished the victory over DR Congo in 'terrible pain'. The Arsenal star has been dealing with lower back and neural pain affecting his hamstrings, and had to be substituted in the dying stages of the match.
Tuchel confirms Rice's pain
England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed: 'I asked him. He said: 'I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain' and when Declan tells you he is in terrible pain then you know he cannot take it anymore. He was grateful we took him off but he said after the game it's not an issue. There is no injury I think he will recover. He was just in pain and I hope he is right. It's more neural pain.'
Despite the discomfort, Rice insisted he will be fit to face joint hosts Mexico this weekend. Tuchel added that Rice can go from game to game, but it remains to be seen whether he will start after being rested for England's final group match.
Arsenal concerns and tactical shift
The injury is also a major worry for Arsenal, as Rice is enduring a marathon season with no rest. Throughout the 90 minutes in Atlanta, he looked uncharacteristically sluggish in midfield, though he showed bravery and desire by putting his body on the line.
With England struggling, Rice was shifted to right-back late in the game, a tactical change that sparked England's improvement. However, it raised questions about his midfield partnership with Elliot Anderson and whether they are too similar. The move also reflected Tuchel's assessment of Djed Spence's performance.
Additional injury issues and altitude challenge
England face the added difficulty of playing Mexico in Mexico City at altitude. Jarell Quansah is recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Panama, while Reece James is also nearing a return but is unlikely to be ready for Mexico, leaving a right-back dilemma.
Spence, brought to the World Cup as a backup left-back, had a difficult night and has looked out of his depth on the international stage after an underwhelming domestic campaign. If James proves his fitness, he is likely to start in Mexico City; otherwise, Rice's cameo at right-back may provide an alternative for Tuchel.
